This Advent, I’ve been experimenting with a very unusual Advent calendar. Instead of chocolates or ornaments, each day offers something surprising—a paperclip, a flashlight, even a coffee bean. At first, I wasn’t sure how these random items would connect to Advent, but they’ve sparked some meaningful reflections.

Today’s “gift” was different: a simple handwritten note that said, “Be kind today.” At first, it seemed so...ordinary. But the more I thought about it, the more profound it became. Advent, after all, is not about what we “get,” but what we “give.” That’s the heart of the season: preparing not just ourselves, but our world, for the coming of Christ.

Today’s note posed a question for me: What specific act of kindness can I do to “prepare the way of the Lord”? This ties beautifully to the Advent theme of conversion of heart. Advent invites us to clear away the clutter in our hearts so Christ can enter. And often, that clearing begins with small, concrete acts of love and kindness.

The Call to Prepare

In today’s Gospel, John the Baptist calls out: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight His paths.” His voice echoes the prophecy of Isaiah, urging us to level the mountains and fill the valleys that block our way to God.

But these mountains and valleys aren’t just physical—they’re spiritual. Pride can rise like a mountain, making us unapproachable, even to God. And despair can create deep valleys of hopelessness, where His light struggles to reach.

John calls us to repentance, which is another way of saying: “Let God reshape your heart.” Acts of kindness are one way we begin. When we show kindness, we tear down pride, lift others from despair, and let God’s mercy flow through us.

That little Advent note, “Be kind today,” reminds me that preparing for Christ doesn’t require grand gestures. It’s in the simple moments—a listening ear, a patient word, a smile—that we begin to make room for Him.

Mary: The Model of Advent

Speaking of making room, tomorrow we celebrate the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception. While today remains the Second Sunday of Advent, Mary is never far from our Advent reflections. She shows us what it means to prepare for Christ.

Think of her response to the angel Gabriel: “Let it be done to me according to your word.” This wasn’t just a passive acceptance—it was an act of extraordinary kindness and trust. Mary willingly offered her life to God’s plan, knowing it would mean sacrifice and challenge. Her kindness wasn’t just a one-time event; it was woven into every part of her life.

Imagine Mary on her visit to Elizabeth. She traveled miles to help her elderly cousin, who was also expecting a child. She could have stayed home, focused on her own needs, but she chose kindness.

And this kindness wasn’t hers alone—it reflected the kindness of her Son. In Mary’s humility, generosity, and quiet strength, we see the heart of Jesus.

Mary reminds us that Advent preparation isn’t about doing everything ourselves. It’s about letting God work through us, trusting in His grace, and saying “yes” to the little opportunities for kindness He places in our path.

Kindness in Action

St. Paul’s letter to the Philippians gives us more encouragement: “The one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus.”

What a comforting thought! Advent doesn’t ask us to be perfect; it asks us to be open. God is already at work in our hearts, patiently smoothing the rough edges. Our job is to cooperate: to show up in prayer, seek reconciliation, and act in love.

That’s where kindness comes in. It’s not just something we do—it’s a way to live out our hope in Christ. Small acts of kindness can transform not only others, but ourselves. They help us prepare, one step at a time, for the fullness of Christ’s presence.

A Practical Invitation

This week, I invite you to take up the challenge of the Advent note: “Be kind today.” Each morning, ask yourself: What concrete act of kindness can I do to prepare the way of the Lord?

Maybe it’s calling someone you’ve been meaning to check on. Or offering a smile to a stranger. Or being patient with a difficult coworker. These small acts are like opening the doors of your heart, little by little, to let Christ in.

And tomorrow, as we celebrate the Immaculate Conception, let’s honor Mary by imitating her kindness. She shows us how to live Advent: with humility, trust, and a heart open to God’s grace.

As we journey through Advent, let’s remember that the heart of preparation lies in love. Like Mary, let’s allow God to work through us. Let’s open our hearts, even in the simplest ways, to His grace.

This week, when you find a quiet moment or an empty space in your day, don’t rush to fill it. Instead, let it remind you to pause, to listen, and to create room for Christ. Let it inspire you to respond with kindness, just as Mary did.

So, let’s take it one day at a time, one act of kindness at a time. Together, we can prepare the way of the Lord—not with grand gestures, but with the simple, steady openness of our hearts. Amen.