December 2- by: Jan Herrera

R*U*RDY?

R*U*KIDN? I never seem to be ready for Christmas ahead of time. I use the last few hours of preparation as an aerobic workout. I have worked late into the night trying to finish just one more thing. I have always thought that those people who proudly boast that they are all ready, (actually have been since Thanksgiving), just don’t have much of an imagination. Why, I can always think of something else that I could/should do!

So, how do we balance what is on the list with who is in our presence? How do we prepare for the night of “peace on earth” by running around like crazy? OK, so now it’s not enough that I need to tend to all of the activities and tasks to be ready, I am supposed to be ready in my heart?

Have your ever looked at a harried young mother, with a list that is too long, a budget that is too tight, whose time is too short, and whose patience is too thin, and asked, are you ready in your heart? She looks at you and thinks “R*U*CRZY?” But, here’s the thing. It seems to me that God works in us whether we are ready or not. The feeling of Christmas, the sentimental, awe-striking spirit of love and grace, the gift of Jesus’ life, this feeling comes in its own time and its own way.

So, yeah, let’s be ready to hear it, see it, feel it, and reflect it whenever we can, where ever we are, with whoever we are with. Perhaps the joy of Christmas is in the preparation, as much as it the magic moments. Maybe it’s like life, the joy is in the journey, not just the destination. Isn’t it great to know that RDY*O*NOT, Here He Comes!

Jan Herrera