We gather on this the second Sunday of Advent with joyful expectations. We can sense that something wonderful is about to happen. The countdown to Christmas Day is well under way. We can see the excitement in the faces of children who patiently wait for Christmas Day. It's harder for them to concentrate on their school work when their heads are filled with visions of "sugar plums." Something wonderful is about to take place and we are going to be a part of it.

We are getting ready for Christmas. Christmas trees are being decorated in living rooms. Children make their annual trip to see Santa Claus with their lists of the toys they want for that great day. No doubt someone will ask you in the coming days, "Are you ready for Christmas?" We smile at the person who asks us this question and a…