Lorie Schulstad-Werk

​“A voice cries in the Wilderness prepare the way of the Lord..!” Isaiah 40, vs.3  
 
Advent was an exciting time at our home when I was growing up, especially because we knew what was coming next! The preparations were beginning, putting up the Christmas tree, the lights, and the amazing smells of Scandinavian Christmas cookies being baked. First, however, was the advent wreath on our dinner table. Those of us who were able read the appropriate devotion and assisted the younger ones to light the correct candle or candles each week. The excitement grew for the four of us old enough to know what we were preparing for as the other two children were too young yet to understand what was happening. Before Christmas packages could be unwrapped on Christmas Eve, we were expected to put on a little skit about Christmas. The skits were fun as we sang songs and tried to re-enact the Christmas story.  Truth be told, there was a lot of giggling as we sang familiar Christmas carols to support the story we were recounting. One of the more memorable skits was when my brother showed-up with “holey” (holy) underwear on his head as a turban!    
 
Preparations together as a family was the key to great fun! It was a time to pause and to enjoy one another. In this time of COVID, it is sad to think families may not be able to gather to prepare as we did in the past or even in the way we usually do. Our households are all now located far apart, and it is not a good idea to bring everyone together. This makes us sad.  However, no matter where we are, we can still prepare our hearts during ADVENT! We will have to commemorate our Savior's birth in a more quiet contemplative manner. Though we can still celebrate and rejoice if we can just focus on this EXCITING news, the birth of Jesus! We can give thanks that we are healthy, we have a home, food to eat, and hopefully in most cases, one another to keep us company!    
  
Dear Lord, we pray for those who are alone during this stressful time, those in nursing homes, the homeless, those who are imprisoned, and those who have lost loved ones during this season. We reflect on our good fortunes and our good health even in these less than normal times. We thank you Lord that you are always with us in good and bad times.  We ask for your help to prepare our hearts as we recall all of the blessings you bestow upon us daily. Please give us the ability to adapt to this new reality as we look forward to a time when we can all be together once again. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen