Are You Ready for Christmas?

 

It is December 22.  Have you been asked that question recently?  How did you respond?  Did the question evoke any specific emotion, or some anxiety perhaps?  I have been asked this numerous times in the past few days.  Well, am I?

In the traditional sense, no.  I still have shopping, wrapping, decorating, baking, cards…yes, the whole Christmas routine… to complete pretty darn quick.  So, here I sit, listening to Josh Groban sing Christmas songs to me.  Sweet!  The traffic is nuts, so I decided I should take some time away from the outer world.  Can you relate? 

Things eventually seem to get done when you need them to.  Have you noticed that?  Whether you are having guests for dinner or planning a huge party, things just seem to fall together, right on time.  Being ready for Christmas falls into this same category.

However, my thinking is a bit different when I hear this question.  I believe Christmas is something we need to be ready for everyday.  To quote my poem, “Choices,” we would be wise to “carry the spirit of Christmas throughout the year.”  Think what a different world it would be if we did!  What if we prepared for each day by deciding to be kinder and more compassionate to everyone that crosses our path?  How would we behave if we truly believe that what goes around comes around?  Would we do anything differently if we knew that Jesus had it in His day planner to show up tomorrow?  Well, would we?

A nice winter’s nap sounds quite appealing right about now, but I must put forth a bit of effort to bring about some Christmas cheer.  Guess I had better finish those cards….

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.  And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”   Isaiah 9:6  NIV