Are We Ready?

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

Homecoming

I recently experienced the feeling of homecoming when I visited my oldest son and his family. Seeing their faces as I stepped down from the shuttle from Albuquerque to Santa Fe, New Mexico, was so joyous, I could hardly keep it all in. Hugs and kisses and smiles, yes, and tears - but it was so, so wonderful. I recalled little nuances about my son’s facial features, his eyes, his smile that had grown dim. The same is true when I visit my loved ones in Wisconsin. New delights arise with each conversation, each shared experience. Memories are stored away until the next rejoining. Hearts overflow with love and happiness. And then the agony of saying goodbye; one last hug, one last stroke of the shoulder, one last look from the window.

We’ve all been separated from loved ones through geography or the worst kind of separation – death. We heal from these losses with the help of our Lord and time, but etched in our hearts is that loved one’s smile and personality “tics” that are unique and individual. Memories come to us unaided by conscious thought – they just appear, making us smile and yes, sometimes shed a tear. A certain walk, a turn of the head, a twinkle in the eyes brings it all back.

I think heaven must be like that. I believe we will recognize those loved ones in heaven by those characteristics that we so fondly remember as we live here below. And when we join them, what a homecoming it will be! There will be kisses, hugs, (no tears this time) – only joy, the heart-filling ecstasy of an eternal reunion with no more separations. There will be unending singing and music and lights and colors and dancing and conversations and finally, understanding of the meaning of our lives here on earth – and no more sad goodbyes. Our joy will know no containment, it will be evermore and unending. What glory with Jesus our Lord on high!

When the holy angels meet us
As we join their happy band,
We shall know the friends that greet us
In that glorious spirit-land.
We shall see the same eyes shining
On us as in days of yore.
We shall feel the dear arms twining
Fondly, round us as before.
Author unknown.

“For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.” 1 Corinthians 13:12