By: The Rev. Christopher Leighton
The urgency of preparation matches the expectation of the season of Advent. As a child simply cannot bear to miss out on any of the activities associated with Christmas, so our hearts must yearn for Jesus Christ, and become prepared. It is as though our hearts need to be like the manger into which the baby Jesus was laid.
John the Baptist was the forerunner for Jesus. He was sent by God to prepare the people. The Collect for the Second Sunday in Advent begins: “Merciful God, who sent your messengers the prophets to preach repentance and prepare the way for our salvation: Give us grace to heed their warnings and forsake our sins that we may greet with joy the coming of Jesus Christ our Redeemer.”
The catechism in the Book of Common Prayer asks: “What is required of us when we come to the Eucharist?” The answer is, “It is required that we should examine our lives, repent of our sins, and be in love and charity with all people.”