The Advent season challenges us to prepare for Christ’s Second Coming with power and glory on the clouds of heaven, and to recognize and appreciate his present “coming” to us in his Word, the Eucharist, the worshiping community and as the abiding presence of his Holy Spirit in our souls.

Today’s the readings invite us to recall God’s saving deeds in the history of Israel, culminating in the coming of the promised Messiah. We need to prepare the way for the Messiah in our hearts: We have to fill in the “valleys” of our souls formed from our shallow prayer life and a minimalist way of living our faith.

We have to straighten out whatever crooked paths we’ve been walking, like involvement in some secret or habitual sins or in a sinful relationship. If we have been involved in some dishonest practices at work or at home, we are called to change our ways and make restitution.

If we have been harboring grudges, hatred, or failing to be reconciled with others, now is the time to clear away all the debris. As individuals, we might have to overcome deep-seated resentment, persistent fault-finding, unwillingness to forgive, dishonesty in our dealings with others, and a bullying attitude.

And we all have to level the “mountains” of our pride and self-centeredness by practicing true humility and rendering humble service to others.