As Alice sat in worship on the first Sunday in Advent her mind began to wander. She thought of the shopping she needed to do. She thought of all the church programs and neighborhood parties and school activities she would be expected to attend. She had better get those dates on her calendar as soon as possible she thought. And if they really are going to get a goose for Christmas dinner, then now is the time to order it from the butcher.

Alice became consumed thinking of all the activities she would be involved with during the coming weeks. She thought about her party dress at the cleaners and the decorations in her attic. She thought of her children and how they should all have haircuts. She thought of the carpets that needed to be shampooed before their open house in just two weeks. And…