Christmas is near. Are we prepared? Not prepared as in - shopping is finished, gifts are bought and wrapped, a decorated Christmas tree stands proudly in a perfectly appointed room, and plans for a holiday feast are complete.
Prepared as in - are our hearts prepared for the birth of the Baby Jesus to once again come into this world to save us? Have we laid our hearts and minds and arms open to receive Him? Have we thrown our shortcomings and sins before Him, begging for forgiveness, fully ready to joyously welcome His Holy Spirit?
Each year we hear the Christmas story, we watch the manger tableau played out in school Christmas programs, and we sing the joyous familiar Christmas carols. Is it merely enjoyment and tradition or does it truly touch our hearts? Does it bring tears to our eyes to know that this little baby, this Christ Child, came for you and me? He entered the world, growing in the knowledge that He would shortly die for His children in order to set us free. Are we even able to comprehend the concept, the magnitude? I wonder.
So many rituals make up the season of Christmas. Families coming together, gift-giving, holiday meals – all so wonderful. We must also be certain that there is still Christ in the celebrations of Christmas. Our hearts need to be as open as our arms would be to receive a new-born baby - any new-born baby, but especially this little Child of Bethlehem.
So hear the angels singing and the bells ringing, marvel at the Star of the East, watch the shepherds make their way to the stable, see the wonder in the eyes of Mary and Joseph and know that this baby, lying so humbly in a bed of straw, came to save us, came to give us life, came to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Be prepared with an open heart because He came for YOU and He came for ME. CHRIST is in CHRISTMAS – CHRIST is CHRISTMAS.
“ …Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.” Matthew 3:3b
“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.’ ” Luke 2:10,11
