So near. Carol, reflection and prayerful, awe-filled silence.

There's a light upon the mountains,
  and the day is at the spring,
When our eyes shall see the beauty
  and the glory of the King;
Weary was our heart with waiting, and
  the night-watch seemed so long,
But His triumph-day is breaking, and
  we hail it with a song.

Hark! we hear a distant music, and
  it comes with fuller swell;
'Tis the triumph song of Jesus, of
  our King Emmanuel;
Zion, go ye forth to meet Him,
  and my soul, be swift to bring
All thy sweetest and thy dearest for
  the triumph of our King.
(Henry Burton)

Reflection. Please spend time today away from.present wrapping, shopping or food preparation.

We are that nervous moment before the starting gun goes off. This the pregnant pause. On your marks. The moment of calm. 

Prayerful, awe-filled silence. 'Let all mortal flesh keep silence. Amen.