This is a strange season in which we are now living. Children have been bugging parents about putting up the Christmas tree and decorations. Since late November we have been bombarded with jingles and signs and advertisements imploring us to buy and buy and buy gifts so we shall be ready for Christmas.

Children have long lists of what Santa is to bring: dolls, race car sets, bikes, books, computers, televisions, and a thousand other wants. There is a heightened sense of anticipation present in our lives. We are eagerly looking forward in our Advent hope for Christmas.

People with whom I have visited talk of vacations in the next week. Students have been excited about their break from school. Many of us, I suspect, have looked forward to parties, the family gatherings, the break in the ro…