An Old Dog Tries a New Trick

"Oh Come, Oh Come, Emmanuel" is, for me at least, the Advent Hymn for the ages.  It speaks to the promise of the season, the greatness that is coming.  Is it any wonder that so many Christmas Eve services and Advent seasons open with this powerful tune? 

Christmas seems to catch me a bit unprepared most years.  Yes, I know - it comes at the same time each and every every year accompanied with lots of advance "warning".  Nonetheless, my preparation gets packed into the last week.  More often than not, I am shopping for gifts on Christmas Eve.  No wonder I get so stressed?!?

So this year I'm getting started earlier.  Advent is after all, about preparation, not procrastination.  I believe that in the end, the season will be more enjoyable and more fulfilling this way.  Couldn't we all benefit from making time to focus on the joy and promise of Christmas?  Peace.