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Throughout the season of Advent, John the Baptist invites us to alter the landscape of our hearts, to fill up the valleys with humility, lay low the mountains of pride, straighten the crooked paths, and make smooth the rough roads in preparation for the Lord's coming.

In December we anticipate Christ's second coming, and recall with joyful hearts his first arrival in the lowly manger in Bethlehem. For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son for its redemption (John 3:16). In imitation of that divine largeness, and of the Magi's gesture of presenting gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh, we make Christmas a time for generosity, for manifesting the true spirit of giving.

As a disciple of Christ, I should try to make Advent and Christmas a pattern to follow daily. Pope John XXIII said, "Whoever has a heart full of love always has something to give." Today, Lord, I want to give love, kindness, compassion and understanding to some brother or sister in need.