Advent is a season about so much more than a wreath decorated with four candles and a calendar filled with sweet treats. The Catechism of the Catholic Church says the goal of Advent is to make present for ourselves and our families the “ancient expectancy of the Messiah ... by sharing in the long preparation for the Savior’s first coming.” Although Christ has already come into the world, the Church invites us to use this time to renew our desires for the Lord to be present more deeply in our lives and for Christ’s triumphant second coming into the world. Here are a few ways we can use this season to prepare ourselves spiritually for Christmas.