So Exciting!

King of kings forever and ever

and lord of lords hallelujah hallelujah And he shall reign forever and ever. The Messiah, by George Friedrich Handel

Excitement fills our house and that of the grandgirlies in California. The bags are almost packed, the refrigerator is bare, and the mail is on hold. We all leave tomorrow for Disney World and anticipate a week of memories filled with fun, laughter, fatigue, and a fairyland of lights. The youngest grandgirlie was a baby the last time we visited so she sees all the festivities through the eyes of her two sisters. They know what is coming and can hardly wait. As we all get ready for the big trip, it reminds me of the meaning of Advent: "arrival" or "coming," particularly of something of great importance. We have been planning this trip for almost a year; getting plane reservations early so we could use frequent flyer miles, making dinner reservations for each night since we expect crowds, finding the best deal for park tickets. But Advent is not about anticipating Disney World, it is about waiting for the birth of the baby Jesus. Generation after generation looked for that promised King, little expecting that some shepherd boys would herald His birth. The long awaited miracle born that night changed the course of history. What have you done to prepare for His arrival this year? Have you asked Him into your heart and made him your King? Sometimes, we get so caught up in the "preparations" of baking, shopping, and entertaining that we forget that our hearts and minds need preparation, too. In the coming week, I encourage you to plan time to read the Christmas story with your family, visit a lonely person, or share a meal with a friend. Make time to spend alone with God and listen to Him speak to you. Remember...people are more important than things and they last longer, too. Yes, this season is full of joy and excitement. But when we fly home next week, the Christmas season will end as we put away the decorations, exchange the presents, and shop for sales. However, what is more important than keeping the love and joy that Christmas brings to your heart alive and available to share throughout the new year? Let Jesus, the King of Kings, make the difference. Maybe we should sing Joy to the World in July?