How do we prepare for this final coming of Christ? Today’s readings provide some guidance. In Hebrews, these words jumped out at me this morning: “I come to do your will, O God.” It was God’s will for Jesus to come to earth, to save us from our sins. His whole life was offered up as a sacrifice. It was God’s will for Mary to bear a son, Jesus (“God-with-us”) through the power of the Holy Spirit. Her life was also a sacrifice. Both Jesus and Mary said “yes” to God’s will. They were perfectly obedient to it—everything God commanded and asked of them, they did.

What is God’s will for you and me? This is where the preparation for the final coming of Christ comes in. We have to remember that we are not our own, we are God’s. Our lives are but a brief moment in his time. We are here to do his will, not ours. Our lives are meant to be a sacrifice to him too. We are his instruments. How does he want to use us? We have to empty ourselves of ourselves so that there is more room for him to work through us. We have to continue to seek him through reading his Word, praying, and meditating. We have to listen. As it says in Isaiah 28:23, “Give ear and hear my voice, pay attention and hear my word.”

Today, on this final Sunday of Advent, let us wait with joyful hope and expectation as we enter into the joy of Christmas and all it means for us. And as we go forward, let us reflect on Jesus’ final coming—let us prepare him room and empty ourselves of ourselves so we can better do his will.

Let us rejoice!