Get ready for Jesus

* putting up a Christmas tree and decorating it,

* making or buying presents for people you love, and

* hanging your stocking for Santa to fill.

But this week's Gospel (Luke 3:10-18) reminds us that those aren't the only things we need to do before Christmas!

John the Baptist was teaching people that Jesus was coming soon, and they were excited. "What can we do to get ready?" they asked. John told them: "Whoever has two coats, give one to the person who has none. If you have food, give away the extra. Don't take more money than you need, and be happy with what you have."

For other families, Christmas is different. They don't have money for a Christmas tree or pictures with Santa. These kids don't get the pile of presents that you might, either.

The second kind of family are the ones John the Baptist wanted us to remember. He talked about good ways to get ready for Jesus to start teaching, but we can do the same thing when we're getting ready to celebrate Jesus' birthday at Christmas.

John said that if you've got extra stuff, give some away. For kids, that means toys or clothes you don't use. Lots of kids who don't have as much as you would be happy to get them at Christmas.

John also told people not to hog everything for themselves. There are lots of ways you can help people by being a "giving person" -- singing Christmas songs for people in hospitals or nursing homes, helping at a food pantry, or asking your parents to help you decide which toys and clothes to give away.

If you want to really get ready for Christmas, John the Baptist had some great ideas!

PRAYER FOR THE WEEK: Jesus, teach me that getting ready for Christmas means helping people! Amen.