Like the image of the virgins in the Scripture, our lamps are lit, and we are prepared for the arrival of the bridegroom.

One of my favourite Christmas songs has no historical basis whatsoever. The Little Drummer Boy centres on a small boy. The small boy is a drummer. He has no gold to bring to the infant Jesus, no frankincense, no myrrh. All he has is his little drum. So, he comes to the stable and says, ‘I played my best for Him – on my drum. Pa rum pum pum pum!’

As we draw close to the end of the year and of Advent, all that our God asks of each of us is that we play our best for Him – whatever that best is. What it looks like does not matter provided, it is OUR best. This best is OUR gold, our frankincense, our myrrh.

Today’s Gospel is the Benedictus. We, Religious and our clergy, pray this beautiful section of Luke’s Gospel each morning as part of our Lauds. For as long as I can remember, I have tried to pray, ‘And you, little child, you shall be called Prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare the way for him.’

If Christmas means anything, you and I are that ‘little child’. We are called, despite our weakness, to be prophets of the Most High, of Emmanuel. We are missioned to go before him and with the people and events of our day – and prepare the way for all whom we encounter to experience and fall in love with the Shepherd. Then, it truly will be Christmas!

by Br Damien Price cfc