Third Week of Advent

Written by Kate Krumreig

Are YOU ready??

I survive on checklists.  Well, checklists and coffee.  OK, checklists and coffee and...that reminds me: I need to pick up half and half, romaine lettuce and cucumbers when I head to Aldi later.  Oh, I keep forgetting dental floss.  And gallon freezer bags, but the double lock ones, not the slide ones.  Those things leak every time!  Ugh, I need to write a checklist...  Folks, this is my life.  Anyone else?

I had the pleasure of having dinner with some of my best friends last night and, as we were in conversation enjoying our chips and queso, my friend said to everyone the table, "Wow, it's almost Christmas.  Are you ready?"  My mind immediately went to my Christmas gift checklist:  Mom, check!  Dad, check!  Siblings, check!  Oh my gosh, my nephew is going to love his new BoomWhackers (Don't know what these are?  Look them up - they're fun!), Still need to get a gift for my friend Sara by Friday, Tracy, Isaiah... And then my brain made a drastic switch. 

Mary.  What about Mary?  Was Mary ready for Christmas?  Was Mary at all aware of what she was about to endure?  Would Mary ever know that her son and his birth would be celebrated year after year?  Did Mary have a checklist??

My guess is no.  I don't think Mary was ready.  I don't think Mary was aware.  I don't think Mary would ever know and I certainly don't think Mary had a checklist.  However, Mary had trust in her God, our God.  Mary knew that, no matter what was coming her way, she had the favor of her Lord, our Lord. 

I absolutely love the Magnificat - Mary's Song - as is written in the Gospel of Luke (1:46-55).

And Mary said:“My soul glorifies the Lord
     and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
     for he has been mindful
     of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
     for the Mighty One has done great things for me--
     holy is his name.
His mercy extends to those who fear him,
     from generation to generation.
He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
     he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
He has brought down rulers from their thrones
     but has lifted up the humble.
He has filled the hungry with good things
     but has sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
     remembering to be merciful
     to Abraham and his descendants forever,
     just as he promised our ancestors.”

OK, God.  I hear you.  Thank you for redirecting my thoughts, not on "the stuff" of Christmas, but on the Christ of Christmas.  Thank you for allowing me to spend time, as Mary did, considering Your greatness and praising You for Your mighty works.  Thank you for reminding me to be humble, selfless, and to serve only You.  Now, that's a checklist.

​So...are YOU ready?