The washer and dryer are humming across the house, in the laundry room off our kitchen. My Christmas tree sparkles in the corner of the living room, done up in navy blue and gold this year. As I look out my office window, I see the twinkle lights hung in our backyard. Upstairs, under my bed, the pile of purchased gifts is growing by the day. My Christmas cards are in the mail, making their way across the country. I will get them soon and will spend a couple hours tracking down addresses of friends who’ve moved this year, carefully printing their names on clean white envelopes with a fine-tipped marker. The Advent by Candlelight program is written for another year, and I’ve practiced for the church service I play for on the 14th. The plane tickets are bought, as are the gloves and hats and sweaters that we’ll wear for the time we spend in Wisconsin each year. My freezer is full of food to take us to the end of the month. The Advent calendar is hung.

I’d like to say that I’m ahead of the game, but I’m not. I’ve just barely starting thinking about preparing my heart. Although outwardly I’m ready, inwardly…well, that’s another story.

Two years ago I wrote a blog called A Different December. Every day from December 1st to December 25th, I wrote one post a day in preparation for Christmas. I want to do it again this year.

I know myself. I get so wrapped up in the decorating and the parties, the to-do lists and the shopping. I love getting ready for Christmas. It’s so much fun! It’s cozy! The looks on my kids faces! The joy of seeing family I haven’t seen for months! Winter break! Sometimes I sense myself loving all this stuff more than the baby in the manger. It’s difficult to admit that, but I know at times, it’s simply true.

I’m clearing a slot, and I’m lighting a candle. It’s time to prepare for my King, beginning with a prayer I prayed two years ago today:

Dear Savior,

As I enter a new Christmas season, I ask you to be with me. I am sorry for getting so wrapped up in the craziness and materialism of this time that I forget to prepare my heart for your coming. You came to save me from this crazed world, my sin, and the grasp of Satan. Since you came and died for me, I no longer live under these threats. I live as your child. Please help me to prepare my heart to receive you, my King. Thank you for your amazing love.

In Your Name, Amen.