Huh?
(Insert the sound of a record player scratching the record.)
No, we don't have to prepare to prepare,
but I have found that with most things,
if there is spiritual preparation,
things tend to go better than expected.
The Holy Season of
Advent begins this coming Sunday,
November 29.
During the season of Advent we begin preparations for
Christmas,
but,
unlike secular preparations, we prepare spiritually to receive the Newborn Babe
into our hearts on
Christmas Day.
We change our way of looking at Christmas.
Instead of only being a day of presents, activities, families, friends, foods, parties,
we look at Christmas as day in which we can celebrate
the birth of our Divine Lord and Savior,
Jesus, the Christ.
Now, I know you're holding your breath already at the thought of something else to do.
Stop!
Breathe and let go of the tension.
What good will it do you?
Will you enjoy Christmas on any level if you are stressed beyond words?
I don't think so.
If you slow down, breathe, and choose your activities wisely,
you will enjoy the celebration of Christmas on many more levels than you can imagine.
What can we do to prepare to prepare?
1) Stop.
That's right, stop.
Breathe.
For five minutes think about the story of the Birth of Jesus.
If you don't remember, pick up your Bible and read
Luke 2: 1-20
This tells the story of the birth of Jesus.
How great is that? Angels, Shepherds, Wisemen.
Wow!
Amazing!
2) Say a minimum of 1 Our Father, Hail Mary, and Glory be to God each day.
Ideally, if your could say a Rosary each day, that would be best, but praying, even if it's less than a Rosary, is good.
3) Write down three things each day that are spiritual about the celebration of Christmas.
These don't have to be long, just three thoughts about Christmas.
4) Praise God for three things in your life.
5) Thank God for three things in your life.
6) Make sure you attend Mass this weekend.
7) Congratulate yourself. You are preparing to prepare the Way of the Lord!
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