Are you ready for Christmas?

That’s the small talk question leading up to Christmas. It is understood that we are referring to the traditional holiday presents, the food preparation, the travel arrangements, the home décor. In years gone by those were my main concerns too. I had lists, lots of lists and systematically checked them off. Life is different now. My preparations are much simpler.

So this year I am preparing in a different way. I’ve been thinking about this baby that will be born on Christmas Day and His Mother. I remember a friend who took her son to his Grandmother’s church and after seeing the story retold asked “Is this a true story?” And being a gracious yet honest person (who had questions herself) replied, “Millions of people in the world believe it to be true”. I am one of those people.

So this advent I am thinking about Mary and the preparations she had leading up to the birth of Jesus. What was she thinking? Was she scared? Was she happy? The angel told her not to be afraid. She must have needed that angel.

Having a baby is life changing. Giving birth to the Savior of the World, the Son of God….I would have been scared. Everything is going to change. Nothing will ever be the same, yet she stepped forward.

In my own small way, I want to step forward and be ready to accept change. That is how I'm preparing for Christmas: to be ready to accept what the future holds. Life is always changing. Nothing will ever be the same as it was. I’ve got to be ready.

I take great comfort in the words from today's daily readings. To hear them click here or on the Daily Scripture Readings in the sidebar. This will redirect you to a podcast site.

Each word seems written just for me….even though I know it really is for everyone…

Strengthen, the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees.

…Be strong do not fear!

…they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

The Lord upholds the orphan and the widow…

Be patient beloved until the coming of the Lord…