The weeks are full of planning, detailing and purchasing. We try to organise time to meet people we've meant to catch up with all year.

What is it about Christmas that sparks this urgency? Many conversations debate the acceptable timing of setting up the tree and decorations. The decorations, conversations, gifts, songs and food are not terrible in themselves. Yet many people express their apprehension about Christmas rather than their preparation. Why do so many find this season tiring?

Could it be that we are preparing for something never intended? Could it be that we spend all our time giving the appearance of being ready?

We spend our time preparing, and even getting ready to see in the new year a week after Christmas, without ever really dealing with a deeper hunger and desire.

Our hunger for meaning and our desire for some sense of expectancy that went beyond what gifts we might get. What if our preparation took on a different meaning, a different purpose?

The season of preparation, is also known as the season of advent. But it's more than getting ready for Christmas.

The preparation isn't simply to celebrate Christmas Day, but the coming of Jesus - the full revelation of God moving among us. It celebrates the birth of Jesus and the coming in his return.

The preparation invites us into the story of one who seems distant and disconnected choosing to move into our mess.

It's a story of a God whose love for all of creation is so immense, he steps into - not away from - a fractured, broken and hurting world.

Into this world Jesus invites healing, hope, restoration and meaning. He invites a peace in the discovery of his love for us. That's something I want to prepare for.

May you discover a bigger story this season, one of invitation, significance, meaning and purpose. May this season be discovering that God's greatest desire it to restore all of life, bringing renewal and hope to all people.