Ready for Christmas?

As the 25th of December draws near, the frequency of the question, "Are you ready for Christmas?" also increases.  I never know quite how to answer what I'm sure is a well-intended question.

First, the demand on my readiness quotient has diminished greatly due to an exodus from my home- I'm a single-again woman with an empty nest.

•  If it's shopping that's meant, then there are my married children and two grandsons who make the season amply fun by giving me a chance to once again peruse the store's toy section. That doesn't take much time.  
• If it's baking that's being referred to, I'd eat what I make and have only myself to blame, so that's not going to happen:).  
• If it's being charitable, I've found some really fun places to share what I have
• If it's decorating, I surprised myself by really liking the little tree that I put up this weekend.  It's the first one since I moved into my current home.  My lights went up during that warm spell in Nov, so I can check that off my list too. 

Maybe I've missed the point and something else is meant?

I'm grateful that I've been repeatedly asked this question, because it's gotten me thinking.  Am I ready for Christmas?  In my re-shaped life, what would that mean?  What do I want it to mean?  What would "The Reason for the Season" want it to mean?

When I was a preteen, my father was a church planter, which meant that his family got to be the star of the show whether capable or not.  Thus, I was a soloist at our church's Christmas program.  It was memorable partly due to the fact that mere days before the program I had wiped out on the trampoline in gym class and skinned the top of my nose quite thoroughly.  There was no way to cover that large scab!

I've never forgotten the song I sang, "Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne"  (yes, that ages me!).  As I reflected on being ready for Christmas this year, the chorus, "O come to my heart Lord Jesus, there is room in my heart for Thee," began to wind it's way through my spirit again, and I realized that this was it!  Making "room in my heart for Him" is my heart's desire this Christmas.  This desire was confirmed as I pedalled away on an exercise bike to Casting Crown's Peace on Earth:  "Will we go down in history as a nation with no room for its King?"

Next time I'm asked if I'm ready for Christmas, I'll smile and give a resounding, "Yes!" as I gladly carve out  space in my schedule, day, life and heart for Him who is my life.