I came to Mass this morning.

Our church is fully adorned with colorful poinsettias, trees, and of course, the nativity scene. Admiring the beauty in front of me, I can picture the many generous hands who gave their time in putting all these together. I can imagine the preparation, the invitation to get involved, the in and out of people, where to get the best trees and the best plants, the smiles, the exchange of ideas, and a lot more.

Then I looked at the Nativity.

All characters are in except for an important character — the baby Jesus.

Our church is waiting.
Our church is ready.

But am I ready for Him?
I closed my eyes and looked into my heart. Am I truly prepared for His coming? Is there a home for the baby Jesus in my heart?

Preparing my heart is not easy.
It needs a lot of humility.
My heart needs to acknowledge that God made me for Himself.

I should do more pausing, long enough to hear the quiet and stillness of His Voice. I should need to be more worshipping instead of worrying. Slowing down and reconnecting.

Above all, expressing gratitude for the true meaning of this season.

Our prayer for you this Christmas: may your hearts be captured by the ultimate gift — Jesus Christ.

Have the best Christmas ever!!!???

Author Ann Voskamp writes:
“We’re ready for Christmas, not when we have all the gifts, but when we are ready for Christ—when we’re ready to give all of ourselves to Christ.”

-Confe