Not much to say today, but I do want to encourage those who might read this to "Prepare". Yes, that's the word I want you to think about. "Prepare". It's a key part of what we do during Advent and Christmas season. When John the Baptizer came, he preached as "the voice of one crying in the wilderness: "Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight". (Mark 1:3). As a Pastor, I must confess there are times when I feel like I am alone, urging from a desolate place, that people prepare for the coming of Christ. Then, of course, there are other times when I feel as if I'm in a wilderness, not because of my faithfulness to God's call, but because of my own sin and stubbornness. Wherever you or I may be, the call is still the same: "Prepare".

So, please pray for me as I pray for all those who read these simple words, a prayer that echoes the following . . .

"Lord God, slow us down enough during this busy season to prepare. May we not miss the incredible coming of your Beautiful Son. Help us to repent where we need to repent, rest where we need to rest, and rejoice where and upon Whom we need to rejoice." Amen.