Prepare ye the way of the Lord ...         -Matt 3:3

It had been a long haul. For months, 3 year old Elizabeth had been having a difficult time in church. Week after week, we'd spent Sundays alternately hushing her and taking her out to calm down. Now, as Advent approached, it appeared she was finally settling down. I was thrilled. Aside from looking forward to simply sitting through a church service once again, I was eager to really prepare for Christmas.

We decided to start Advent by doing something special: We went to a church where they have a lovely music program. The choir entered, voices soaring in plainsong. The processional hymn was "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" - one of my favorites. Months of tension began to melt away as I listened to the music.

Then, just before the Gospel reading, Elizabeth began to wail. Something in me snapped. Furious, I snatched my daughter from the pew, clamping my lips together to prevent the uncharitable thoughts in my head from escaping, and headed for the door.

It took many attempts before both Elizabeth and I calmed down enough to go back into church. We arrived just as the last hymn started. I sat down and put my head in my hands to pray, but ended up sobbing instead.

On the way home, I said sadly to my husband, "I feel like I can't even prepare for Christmas."

Andrew was thoughtful. "I don't suppose they had much time to prepare for the first Christmas."

Now it was my turn to ponder. "You're probably right. I remember when I was 9 months pregnant. I sure wouldn't have wanted to ride 70 miles on a donkey!"

The thought made me smile, just a bit. I looked over at Elizabeth, who was now singing happily to herself. Maybe the room I'd been hoping to prepare in my heart for Christ wasn't the kind of room He wanted to be born in. After all, a stable isn't beautiful, or warm, or quiet. It's humble.

Lord Jesus, help me prepare a humble heart in which to receive You.

-Julia Attaway