Arriving at Son#4 and DIL#4's home on Saturday to celebrate The Most Adorable Granddaughter#11's first birthday we were greeted by The Most Charming Grandson#3 who proudly informed us, "We're ready for Christmas."
At three he understands so much now, and, truth be told, Christmas last year was a little overshadowed by moving back into a newly renovated house and a baby who decided to go past her due date before arriving three days before Christmas! So this year, the excitement of bringing a tree home and decorating it certainly made an impact.
But his comment made me wonder: How ready am I for Christmas?
True, we have no tree this year, since I was not up to dragging in either our driftwood tree or a real tree while DH was still in recovery mode, but I have still placed the majority of our decorations around the house and I believe the house looks quite festive.
We've also baked up a storm with our traditional Christmas pudding, two Christmas cakes, and four batches of Christmas Mazurka. And while I've been rather lax when it comes to Christmas gift shopping, and I'm not likely to get through all my Christmas cleaning, there's been no shortage of Christmas carols blaring forth. So, hopefully, unless you happen to be our neighbours, there shouldn't be too many complaints when Christmas rolls around.
Except, again, that question: How prepared am I for Christmas?
Not the gifts. Or the turkey. Or the pavlova or desserts. Or even the salads. (I've just realised how much I still have to do!)
But the readiness to celebrate and worship the Saviour this year.
To take a moment to reflect on the sheer wonder of God as a babe in a manger.
To remember the Messiah - who is also our Redeemer and Lord.
To comprehend a little more the great love that God would send His Son to earth.
To savour the wonderful incredible truth of Emmanuel - God with us.
Because all else is unimportant - superficial - if we aren't prepared for the King of Kings.
