As Christmas approaches, we make ready to welcome the Christ Child. In the two Scripture readings today the Church seeks to teach us how deep and delighted our welcome ought to be and how thankful, seeing how much we shall receive from this Child.

The first passage is easily the most lyrical and unashamedly vibrant of the Song of Songs, the Bible's great celebration of human love. The young woman, the Bride, expresses her intense delight at the coming of her lover, the Bridegroom. Her welcome knows no limits of affection and delight. Then Elizabeth - the older woman's welcome to Mary was humble and joyful, ready and rapturous. A third welcome - the baby in Elizabeth's womb danced for joy at the presence of God in Jesus.

Perhaps we will never tire of celebrating Christmas. But, our welcome for the Christ Child? Is it as warm as it ought to be? Our welcome ought to be joyful and bright, but perhaps it is rather tardy and dull. Our welcome ought to be a rapturous one, but perhaps we are rather reluctant?