Recently, I was standing in a queue at the bank listening to both the counter assistant and a customer complaining to each other about the stress of the Christmas season. I then walked into the supermar- ket, where a dear friend also began to complain about the busyness of Christmas. ‘There is so much to do: presents to choose and buy, food to prepare and so many functions to attend. Christmas is just one big headache,’ she said. I replied, ‘But I love Christmas and I especially love the four weeks of Advent!’

During the four weeks of Advent, we play Advent music in our home and in our car. We keep the food preparation and present- buying sim- ple. We enjoy local community events. We make an effort to reach out to others and bless them, especially those who

find this season diffi- cult. During Advent and Christmas we find numerous ways to welcome the Christ child into our homes and into our lives.

Amid all the preparations and activities, we can enjoy the season of Advent and Christmas by keeping it simple as we prepare to welcome Jesus, the greatest gift of all.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, prepare our hearts this Advent. Help us to open our eyes to the joy of your coming into the world and to focus on the true meaning of Christmas. Amen