Are you prepared for Christmas?  Advent is a season of preparation and we are over half way through.  As we get closer to Christmas I can’t help but think that so much of our preparation is consumer focused and has nothing to do with Christ.  We watched the Grinch with the kids last week and the scene at the store in which the little girl is carring presents stacked above her head reminds me so much of the Toy-r-us store I was in today.  Me looking for the one thing on sale with a few hundred of my closest friends. 

What is funny to me is that while I’m walking through this maze of people who are for the most part: in a hurry, frustrated, and disrespectful of others around them.  Twice I was a victim of a hit and run cart.  Once I was asked to move, and complied, only to get a ‘out of my way’ comment from under his breath.  The class clown in me had to pipe up and say “excuse me, I didn’t hear you” just to see his response.  He of course said that he didn’t say anything.

Another exciting occurence was driving to and from the store.  Um.  Let me say that I’m not the best and most peaceful driver…but wow.  I am constantly amazed at those drivers that believe they should be first, especially in spite of the million other people on the road.  It’s like everyone wants to get their family to and from the store safely, but everybody else is expendable. 

And my last comment is this.  GET OFF THE PHONE!.  Yes YOU.  I am a sinner in this area but when traffic is overwhelming you can’t combine the two. 

After my trip, and my recreation of the great Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom scene of Harrison Ford saying “we are going to die” very emphatically, I’m vowing to never set foot in a store again until after Jan 1st 2010. 

And yet among this zoo of people, there I am, smiling and peaceful.  Happy and calm.  Ready and willing to wait for someone else who has already decided they are more important to go first.  And simply trying to not get upset, not say anything rude, smile and thank the store associates for helping me, and reflect what I beleive. 

No, I’m not a perfect person.  And no, I’m not the best example of a Christian living the Truth everyday.  And definetly no, I’m not the best husband or father.  But I am trying to improve and trying my best to prepare for Christ this Advent.  I want others to see Him in me. 

If I get to Christmas and look back and say that during this Advent, I treated others better…I loved my family better…and I worshiped Him more each day…then I will be satisfied.  I pray that you too are trying to be a light in the societal darkness present this season. 

Merry Christ-mas