We repeat the same pattern every Advent. The storage closet opens uncovering boxes of decorations and ornaments. The Christmas tree stand makes an appearance from its home in the basement. Bows and wreaths affix to walls. The nutcracker gets danced around the living room. Advent is the season of waiting and preparation for Christmas; it’s still a few days out and we’re already on our way.

Many of us prepare our homes for company this season. We decorate the house and make special foods. We clean the guest room and get ready to host faraway family to join the festivities.

Advent is one of those seasons where we near a high point of faith. Christmas is coming—God in Jesus Christ is coming so that we might know the fullness of God’s love for us. How are we going to prepare? How are going to dust out the empty corners of our souls and prepare them for the God who is coming?

This Advent I would like to invite you to try something new. Read the Bible with me—or your family. Try to read a Psalm today, or commit to reading a book of the Bible. If you would like a guide of what to read, explore the daily lectionary: a calendar of readings which provides Psalms, an Old Testament, New Testament, and Gospel reading for every day of the year. Follow the link here. (Advent will begin Year 2 of the Daily Lectionary Cycle).

This week’s lectionary begins us with a humble prayer from the evening Psalm:

 4Make me to know your ways, O LORD;
teach me your paths.
5   Lead me in your truth, and teach me,
for you are the God of my salvation;
for you I wait all day long. (Psalm 25:4-5).

If you would like company along the paths of faith, consider reading along in the lectionary; and join us Wednesdays at the church at noon throughout Advent. Bring a lunch and come talk about what you have been reading. Join in the preparation and help us make room for God in Jesus Christ.