Staring into the sky, watching for Jesus to come does not sound exciting. Preparing our lives through reflection and repentance is hard work. Advent is kind of a drag… or is it? Mary, when faced with the news that Jesus was coming, reacted with great joy! She and her people had been longing for a release from their oppression. That release was coming! We also look forward to the break from our daily cares that Christmas can bring. Better yet, we rejoice that the cares of this world will one day be over when Jesus comes again. And even if the holidays bring struggle for some, we look to Jesus as a source of joy even in the midst of our struggles.