Preparing the Manger

This post is linked to the blog, Red Head Reverie...

Are you as excited as Cordelia about Advent?  She just got right up there by the nativity scene and did a little dance!  

Do you notice something strange about the manger?  Yes, it is empty.  That is because it is the Season of Advent, the time of preparing for the Christ Child. Baby Jesus won't show up in that manger scene until Christmas is here.  

So what to do until then?  Well, we can focus on the excitement of the preparation itself.  We can focus on the anticipation of it all. Tonight we will be attending an Advent Service.  Perhaps there are such services in your neighborhood.  It is a great way to slow down, focus on what is real and good and vital about this season, and to quiet your soul for a moment during the busyness. 

Then, in our quiet moments, we can pray.  The following was our Prayer of the Day printed in our church bulletin this last Sunday, spoken by our congregation and congregations all over the nation, perhaps beyond. I thought maybe it would be a good prayer to say today as well...

Stir up your power, Lord Christ, and come. By your merciful protection alert us to the threatening dangers of our sins, and redeem us for your life of justice, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, One God, now and forever. Amen.