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Third Sunday in Advent

Posted on December 15, 2013December 15, 2013 by Dot

Each year we bemoan the commercialized event Christmas has become. And while it concerns us that the celebration of our Lord’s birth is used as a marketing ploy, nothing seems to change. We still dart about in a nervous frenzy in an effort to ‘get ready for Christmas.’

Are You Ready for Christmas?

Are you ready for Christmas? That’s the question we hear
‘Most everywhere we go this time of the year.

Heaven knows, I’m not ready, is the usual reply,
Why, I haven’t baked — not one single pie.

I haven’t had time to put up the tree …
Christmas just couldn’t come, were it left up to me.

I’ll decorate the house, but first I need to clean,
And find just the right spot for the new Christmas scene.

I have to bake cookies for a party at school.
I signed up last September; I must have been a fool.

I’m making a costume for my child’s Christmas play
And the dress rehearsal is — well — later today.

We’re having choir practice almost every night,
I’m invited to three parties; there’s no end in sight.

There’ll be last minute shopping; the mall’s open until ten.
Then, Christmas Eve Communion — if I can work it in.

What? You say there is more? There’s something I missed?
Well, tell me what it is. I’ll put it on the list.

My Christmas is too small?  I’ve left out a big part?
You say there’s a miracle that should happen in my heart?

Have I been too busy to celebrate His birth?
Do I really want His peace in my corner of the earth?

I’m not ready for Christmas. I’ve left one thing undone:
Preparing my heart for the gift of God’s son.

If I own His peace and love all the year through,
Then Advent is more than a list of things to do.

Are you ready for Christmas? Stop right where you are
And look for the Christ Child, the Manger, the Star.

© Dorothy Hatfield 1994
Category: Living my Life, Writing

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4 thoughts on “Third Sunday in Advent”

  1. patlaster says:
    December 15, 2013 at 8:46 pm

    I may share this poem of couplets! And you keep insisting you’re NOT a poet. I disagree there, but I agree with the sentiments expressed in this poem. After group warm-ups, 2 full services of Lessons and Carols PLUS a sermon in one–all between 7:45 and 12:40, I should be prepared for the miracle of Christ’s birth. Thank you, friend/poet.

  2. Talya Tate Boerner says:
    December 16, 2013 at 4:58 pm

    Great reminder of what’s important. Thank you.

  3. Dorothy Johnson says:
    December 17, 2013 at 6:38 pm

    Ditto on what Pat said about you and poetry! You captured what often happens to us this time of year in a charming way. Thanks for sharing your poem.

  4. Freedanichols says:
    December 17, 2013 at 10:22 pm

    Where have you been hiding all this poetry since 1994? I will say you are a poet! Enjoyed it!

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Dot Hatfield

Dot Hatfield

Dot Hatfield is a member of the Arkansas Writers Hall of Fame and a Certified Lay Speaker in the United Methodist Church. She is the author of 7 books.

Dot’s Books

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  • To Find a Home
  • The Last To Know
  • Every Day a New Day

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