From my book Touching the Seasons, a prayer asking for God’s guidance during Advent as we prepare to celebrate once more the birth of his Son, the Word made flesh.
The meal table
The table was laid,
the places set,
everything ready for the arrival of the guests.
When would they come?
Who could say.
So much depending on the traffic,
the weather,
their plans for the day,
but come they would,
and when they did so
all would be ready,
a welcome assured.
Help me, Lord, in all my preparations for Christmas –
the writing of cards,
buying of presents,
wrapping of gifts,
decorating the home –
to make ready for you,
preparing myself in heart and mind
to worship you afresh
and welcome you more fully into my life,
so that when the day of your coming finally dawns,
I may be ready to greet you and celebrate a banquet,
not at my table
but yours.
Amen.