Today's Gospel reading is the same as that for Sunday morning, Luke 1:39-45. I'll have something to say about that text then.

Christmas service preparations are almost done. Bulletins printed, altar guild briefed, and all the parties are over. Only the "main event" remains -- Christmas Eve, especially Midnight Mass. I have a pair of homilies to prepare, one for the morning, and one for the Christmas Eve family service. My thoughts about preaching at Christmas haven't changed much since last year. It's always going to be problematic for me.

The trouble now is that I'm tired, and I actually don't feel very well -- and I have several parishioners in hospital who should have visits. I would rather go home and nap, but I will do what has to be done today, and then Christmas will be one day closer.

I have proclaimed hope, expectation, and joy on the previous three Sundays. Right now I don't feel much of any of these -- but that's the way of the spiritual life. There are always going to be times when we struggle with the Good News, and the duty it lays upon us.

Dear God, this day is a struggle.
Thank you for being there,
and seeing me through it.
Help me to be a faithful minister of your Gospel,
and renew my joy in waiting.

After all, it's not long now!