The 16th century author is unknown but challenges us all to make sure that our preparations for Christ our central to our preparations for Christmas. Perhaps this will help us keep focussed on what really matters over the next few days up to Christmas Day!

Yet if his majesty, our sovereign Lord,
Should of his own accord
Friendly himself invite,
And say 'I'll be your guest tomorrow night',
How should we stir ourselves, call and command
All hands to work! 'Let no man idle stand!
Set me fine Spanish tables in the hall,
See they be fitted all;
Let there be room to eat
And order taken that there want no meat.
See every sconce and candlestick made bright,
That without tapers they may give light.
Look to the presence: are the carpets spread,
The awning o'er the head,
The cushions in the chairs,
And all the candles lighted on the stairs.
Perfume the chambers, and in any case
Let each man give attendance in his place.'
Thus, if the King were coming, would we do;
And 'twere good reason too;
For 'tis a duteous thing
To show all honour to an earthly king,
And after all our travail and cost,
So he be pleased, to think no labour lost...
But at the coming of the King of Heaven
All's set at six and seven
We wallow in our sin.

Christ cannot find a chamber in the inn
We entertain him always like a stranger
And as at first still lodge him in the manger.