Happily Preparing

The WORD today (See http://usccb.org/bible/readings/121414.cfm) reminds me that we should be happy when we are preparing for God’s coming.

Attitude is important. They say that a mother’s overall disposition while pregnant affects the baby. When people cook, they say that the mood of the person cooking affects the food being prepared. Same is true with God – he sees the attitude of our hearts and wants us to be happy while preparing for him and doing things for him.

The readings tell us that God wants us to be happy. In the first reading, we see Isaiah say:

I rejoice heartily in the LORD,
in my God is the joy of my soul

The second reading then shows us St Paul reminding the Thessalonians to always be happy, because that’s what God wants for us.

Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing.
In all circumstances give thanks,
for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus

Then the psalm reminds us what should be the reason for us being happy.

R/ (Is 61:10b) My soul rejoices in my God.

In the gospel, we see John doing his role in the salvation history. He was sent to prepare the way for Christ. He is not the star, but he was happily pointing everyone to Jesus. He knows his role, and he knows who he is serving. That’s why he is happy doing his role, because his joy is from God, in doing God’s task for him.

God wants us to be happy for a reason. He wants us to be real happy, to have real joy, because we can only have this if we are really founded on Him. If he is our rock, our foundation, then no matter what the situation is, no matter what we do for him, we will be happy.

As we continue to prepare for Christmas this year, may we have this attitude. May we be happy as we prepare, not stressed out thinking of all the gifts we are to buy, or the traffic, or the expenses. Let us remember the real reason for this season. May we be happy knowing that our true love, our master, our rock, is the real reason for this season, and that we are preparing our lives to be the best version of ourselves as our way of thanking him for all the love he has been giving us.

Father God,

Thank you for today. Thank you for another day to live. Thank you for another chance to rest. Thank you for another week to be reminded of the importance of preparing for you. Lord, help me have a happy heart while preparing for you this season. May I do all things for you out of love, and may you be pleased with my effort to prepare my heart and my life. Amen.

Blessed Sunday!

In Christ,

-g-