My brave ones! We already have two candles lit. The wreath is starting to look like a small beacon on the table. Today we’re talking about peace, true peace, the kind only Jesus can give.

At today’s Mass, we always read from John the Baptist. Imagine the scene: a strong man, clothed in camel’s hair, eating locusts and wild honey, shouting in the middle of the desert: “Prepare the way of the Lord, make straight paths for him! Every valley shall be filled, every mountain made low!”

What did he mean? That in our hearts there are “mountains” of pride, “fences” of resentment, “crooked paths” of lies… and all of that needs to be fixed before Jesus arrives.

At home, we do something very special this Sunday: the “reconciliation box.” It’s a little wooden box that’s kept away all year. We take it out today. Each of us writes on a slip of paper who we need to ask forgiveness from or who we need to forgive wholeheartedly. We fold it, put it inside, and… it doesn’t get opened until Christmas Eve! This way, we learn that peace is hard-won, but it’s worth it.

Another beautiful tradition is Las Posadas (although it’s more common in Spanish-speaking countries, we also celebrate them as a family). For nine days, we reenact Mary and Joseph’s search for lodging. We go from room to room singing:

— “In the name of heaven, I ask for lodging…” — “This is not an inn, go on your way…”

Finally, in the living room, we open the door to the nativity scene and all sing together: “Come in, holy pilgrims, welcome this corner!” And we break a piñata full of candy, because when Jesus enters our hearts… everything becomes sweet!

Today’s prayer with the second candle:

“Jesus, Prince of Peace, You who were born into a world full of wars and fears, come to our families. Take away anger, envy, and lies from us. Grant that we may know how to ask for forgiveness and forgive from the heart. Amen.”