Are You Ready

Are you ready for Christmas? This is a question you hear a lot this time of year. The answers you generally hear in response to this question focus on whether or not we have our shopping done, our decorations are up or our plans are set. Sometimes it seems like the last thing on our minds this time of year is Christ. Sure we may go to a Christmas church service. We may listen to or sing some Christmas hymns. But Christmas is generally void of Christ. We are thinking about gifts we are buying and gifts we are hoping to get. We are thinking about our decorations. We focus on our holiday plans, parties and traditions. We get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays.

Are we really ready for Christmas? Isaiah 40:3 foresaw John the Baptist who would prepare the people for Christ. How did John prepare the people for the coming Christ? He told them to repent, to turn from their sins. Sin is the barrier in our lives and hearts that prevent Christ from entering in. As Christmas time arrives, make time to prepare for Christ. Prepare for him. Step back from the commercialism around you. Reflect on the promises of God. Take time to meditate on that holy child. Understand the magnitude of God's own Son becoming a baby for all mankind. In this chaotic time, rediscover the peace, joy, hope and love that Christmas is really about. Prepare your hearts for Him.