It's a word that means "not yet". Almost, but not quite. This is just such a day, as people scurry around with last minute preparations.

 

Today my twins will ring hand bells in three church services, setting all personal tasks on hold. Impressive, considering that they spent the first weekend of December immersed in a theater production, the second being angels in four performances, and this past one tugging strings for marionettes. Toss in the responsibilities of senior year, dance team, and leading tours at Glencairn, and it adds up. Who knows what packages the girls might nestle under the tree, but they have already given magnanimously. 

 

Eve is also a woman's name. The first woman, in fact. Its meaning is to "give life" which is fitting. She gave birth to sons, and began the begets. 

 

Christmas Eve is the precursor to all we have been waiting for. Except that the build up is life giving too. Every tableaux service brought its own birth of wonder, as did the swiveling puppets. Each one pointed its shaft of light toward The Day, like the rays of a star. Yet their intrinsic worth is real too. 

 

Maybe it all suggests that we are not just marking time, holding our collective breath for the main event. It is possible that this day, and last week, and the month before all contain their own sweet gifts. If only we can set our personal agendas aside.