If there is one short word that would describe the people of this day as we make our way through the days leading to Christmas, it would be the word "Preparers." We all are quite busy with a multitude of preparations. We are busy preparing for Christmas programs, gifts, family gatherings, parties, special activities, and special guests. We are the preparers! And we spend much of our time, energy, effort, and money during this month of December, preparing.

Even in the Church we regularly go through a season of preparation known as Advent. During the four Sundays of Advent we try to rethink and expose ourselves again to the wonderful story of the birth of Jesus. All of this is to the end that we may be a people prepared for the celebration of the anniversary of his birth.

Such preparation …