Advent: Preparing for Christmas

I was recently asked why it’s okay to decorate the church for Christmas, but we wait to sing Christmas carols until Dec. 24. I think of decorating as part of our preparation for Christ’s coming. Expectant parents do many things ahead of the birth of their baby to prepare for its coming. They shop for a crib, rocking chair, and clothes. They paint the baby’s room and read books on baby care. Families only celebrate the baby’s arrival, comment on its’ beautiful appearance and take it to the room they have prepared once it is born. Advent carols and decorating are ways we prepare for Christ’s arrival. We celebrate and sing Christmas carols when we celebrate His birth.