Are You Ready?

By Rev. Janet Stobie

Just six days till Christmas – are you ready? I’m sure many of us are scrambling around doing the last minute stuff required when family comes home for Christmas. Sixteen years ago on December thirteenth, with the help of the wonderful members of Pontypool and Bethany United Churches, I moved into my home in Dunsford. I remember the joy and excitement of owning my own home, but most of all I remember the help I received from my church family. They lifted and lugged and filled the rented truck. Once in Dunsford, they lifted and lugged some more. I remember that some of the women unpacked the kitchen boxes and put things away. They said, “We may not get everything exactly as you want it, but at least you’ll have what you need rather than chaos.” I was grateful.

In my mind they were preparing for Christmas through helping me. It’s the caring, the kind deeds, the giving and receiving of love that prepares us for Christmas. In fact, even when we offer ourselves a caring compliment, a rest, time for prayer, we are also preparing for Christmas.

It is common today to make prayer shawls for the sick. As the shawl is knit, the knitter prays, asking God to bring peace, love and healing to the wearer. For the next six days, I encourage you to begin a Christmas ministry. With each cookie baked, each gift bought and wrapped, ask for God’s peace and joy for the recipient. When you wrap your Christmas in prayer, your heart will be open to the Christ child. You will be truly ready for Christmas.

“And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people.” (Ephesians 6:18)