Preparation

It seems that this time of year as often about preparation. I often hear people asked the question: are you ready for Christmas? When most people ask that question they are really asking if you have all your shopping done and are all decorated and ready to be with family. Unfortunately the last thing that gets remembered is that Christmas is all about celebrating the birth of Christ. We should always be ready to celebrate the birth of Christ during this time of year and all year round. When we come to celebrate the birth of Christ we are also celebrating his life, death, and resurrection. Each of these events and parts of Jesus’ life cannot be looked at separately. The Christmas ornament pictured above says it all. Are you prepared to welcome Jesus into your Christmas celebrations? Are you prepared to live as one who follows him? We should be more concerned about including Jesus in our Christmas celebrations then about the gifts, decorations, and many other preparations. As we often here this time of year: Jesus is the reason for the season.

We are reminded of this in Luke 2:10-12: “But the angel said to them, “do not be afraid I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Savior, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” This news brought great joy to the people present at the event and it is my prayer that it brings great joy to us today and during this Christmas season.

In His Service,

Apryle