About this time of year many of us start getting a little frantic, don't we? Christmas is so near. There is still so much to do.
This is a frantic time for many of us. The season of Advent was supposed to be our chance to get ready, but in another week it will be over and the big day will be here. All the decorations will be in place, the packages will all be wrapped, the last card will have been sent--then, ready or not, Christmas Day will arrive.
Are you prepared for Christmas? I mean the real Christmas. Not the Christmas of Santa Claus and reindeer and tinsel and expensive gifts--as wonderful as these things are. Are you prepared for the birth of the Christ child?
St. Paul, in Philippians 4, gives us a formula for getting our hearts ready for Christmas. Listen closely to his words: "Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
In these words, Paul gives us a comprehensive formula for finding peace this Christmas--a peace which, as he says, transcends all understanding.
