Today's Thoughts...

Today’s Thoughts: "Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing. In all circumstances give thanks, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus “(Words from Paul). The anticipation of Christmas is probably getting to us by now. We have been in and out of stores, fought the crowds, looked for bargains, yet not all the shopping or preparation is done. The tree is up the decorations are out and we have caught the Christmas spirit. However, it is still Advent, we are still in anticipation. We are asked today to be joyful, to pray and to be thankful all of which will prepare us for the gift of Christmas!
 
There is a joy and happiness to the fact that Christmas is coming but we still have to deal with everyday life. There is still work to be done. The Third Sunday of Advent always seems to bring these two feeling together, the joy, the rejoicing and the anticipation of what is coming - Christmas and the patients and investment in everyday life that is needed because Christmas is not here yet.
 
The mixing of emotions can be difficult and stressful. We can sometimes let on emotion overcome to other. Yet patience and joy are the essence of what makes life livable! In the Gospel today, (John 1: 6-8, 19-28), the people want to know who John the Baptist is. They think he might be the Christ or Elijah, or a Prophet, but John says he is not any of these he is “the voice of one crying out in the desert, make straight the way of the Lord.”
 
John is a preparer. John is a person of hope. John is pointing the way to Christmas and to our relationship with God. If we believe, if we have faith, then what is it we are looking for out of life? What do we expect from our relationship with God? Can we find joy in it? Are we prepared, are we ready, can we be patient and let the story, let the journey play out?
 
Yes, Christmas is coming it will be here in eleven days. We must continue to prepare by praying, by giving thanks, by keeping the gift of the joy alive, by living in the moment. Can we rejoice in the hope the God is always near?
 
Have a great Sunday everyone!