“This important Marian feast occurs during Advent, a season of watchful and prayerful preparation for Christmas. She who knew better than anyone how to wait attentively for the Lord guides us and shows us how to make more vital and active our journey to the Holy Night of Bethlehem. With her, we spend these weeks in prayer and, guided by her bright star, hasten to make the spiritual journey that will lead us to celebrate the mystery of the Incarnation with greater intensity.” - Saint John Paul II

As we celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception, we are reminded of the real purpose of this season of Advent. It is a spiritual preparation for the celebration of the birth of our Savior. Without this spiritual preparation, we may miss the gift that Jesus desires to give us with his birth. It is the gift of himself in a deeper way. Our prayer can be as simple as, "Come, Lord Jesus, come." But said intentionally and longingly, we may see Jesus with new eyes of faith, hope and love.