Ascension The Old Fashion Way

I believe it is perfectly fine to question whether anything of great catastrophic or calamitous significance will happen on Dec 21, 2012, as many ancient cultures seem to point to our time as a period of great spiritual enlightenment...a time when humanity will be given the unique opportunity to evolve in ways that suggest an upgrade in our consciousness. Some believe, based on their divination of ancient texts and other, more subtle hints, such as antediluvian traditions, symbols, and stone carvings, that this will happen quite peacefully and, by all appearances, miraculously.
For me, this seems unlikely, if for no other reason than it directly conflicts with some basic tenants, not the least of which is that rarely, if ever, is anything, especially something of great value and benefit, free. Secondly, I don't recall that the universe, or God, for that matter, ever bestowing such a blessing without requiring something in return, or, at least, the effort being put forth by the recipient to earn it.
How can we, as mere mortals, unbelievably flawed, ever hope to gain enough quality to merit such a reward? I believe there is indeed one sure way, and that is by demonstrating that we can learn from our own shortcomings.
From the beginning, we were given, strictly by grace, the blessing of life on this earth, complete with everything required to achieve harmony, wisdom, and, eventually, the understanding and practice of unconditional love. Thus far, only a very few souls have, by great effort and strength of spirit, attained great insight and, in a very few cases, attained the spiritual light of omniscience. The rest of us have fallen far short, and the state of our world and our spirits reflects that. Our history of warfare and inhumane atrocities testify to the base level we are capable of. Eventually...very soon, according to the prophecies and traditions of our ancient fore-bearers, even greater calamities will befall us which will be of our own creation...a result of the foolhardy way in which we've constructed our society. Will our easily corrupted monetary system, pervasive  greed, self absorption and materialism lead to a crossroads for humanity? At this point, having been forced to re-evaluate all that we have created, shall we, at long last, come to see that those things that REALLY matter are not to be found in the house of cards in which we currently reside? If we are able to return from the precipice of total destruction caused by our own short-sightedness...if we finally begin to grasp the truth found in love and forgiveness, a more spiritual, cooperative, and positive world will surely result. Wisdom will be gained, and then, finally, we will be ready to receive those gifts intended for us. 
Our brains, bodies, and spirits are capable of far more than is commonly understood. 
Mystics and spiritual teachers have been attempting to enlighten us for thousands of years, yet we hear them not, or, at best, fail to take their teachings seriously. We plow ahead, ever oblivious, shrouded in darkness and negativity. 
A wake up call is coming, to be sure. Though none can authoritatively opine on what the future holds, there is guidance to be gleaned from our ancestors, nearly forgotten, who witnessed imperious events and understood the meaning and purpose behind their cyclical nature. They have, arguably, done their very best to bequeath unto us a portion of their arduously attained wisdom. It would honor them and behoove us to pay attention. Only then can we hope to earn our true place...our oneness with God.


Peace, love, and light to all!