It is the third Sunday of Advent.  Christmas is coming again.  It is one year since the last Christmas . . . what has changed in our lives?  I think that is a good question to ask of ourselves, as we progress in our spiritual journey this Advent.  Think back – ask yourself — where was I in my spiritual journey at this time last year?  Where was I in relationship to the Lord last year when we lit the rose-colored candle last year?  Where am I now in relationship with the Lord?  Has there been progress one year later?  Am I more fully His disciple than I was last year?  Am I more committed to prayer, to service of my brothers and sisters, to worship of my God, than I was last year?  Has there been progress in overcoming sin and sinful habits since last year?  What still needs to change?  What can I do to help that change occur?

Christmas is now a week and a half away.  Are we concerned about all of the things that need to get done between now and then?  I know I am and a lot of other people are as well.  But, we have to catch hold of ourselves as well.  We need to stop for some time and pay attention to what is going on in our spiritual lives.  Those questions I ask of myself and I ask you to consider, they are important: Where am I in my relationship with the Lord?  Has there been any progress this year or have I gone further away from Him?  Am I more committed to my faith than I was last year — in prayer, in service, in worship?  Have I been trying to overcome sin in my life, or am I on autopilot when it comes to that?  What still needs to change, and how can I seek out that change?

The season of Advent is one of preparation for our Messiah to come once again.  He is coming – are we more or less prepared this year to meet Him?