One week.
Just one week ’til Christmas!
Children, unaware of all that goes into preparing Christmas, wait excitedly for the big day. Parents and family members scurry in the background getting things together to celebrate the big day.
Think about it. That first Christmas.
Who would be involved? What was going on?
God had already made preparations for all to go as planned to bring the Savior of the World to us in the form of a precious, newborn baby.
Things don’t surprise God. He knows all, controls all and accomplishes His will no matter what.
Mary had prepared for this extraordinary birth to have the necessities for a tiny baby born away from Nazareth, their home, in Bethlehem. She must have packed carefully for her and the baby’s needs.
Joseph had prepared for the journey with the stalwart donkey who helped them make the trip to Bethlehem, where they found no room in the inn, but a private acceptable stable where the miracle could unfold. He had no doubt planned all he would need to have to provide for Mary and the child. He must have been as ready as he could be. God took care of the rest.
The shepherds were unaware of what was going on until the angels came, as God directed, to announce the long awaited birth! They made plans to get on the road to find the baby and see what God had done!
The wise men had noticed the signs of a wondrous event taking place, and although they did not know what exactly was happening as they started out, they made preparations for the journey to the child. They brought the gifts that were expensive and full of meaning for the tiny baby. They brought what they would need for the journey into the mysterious location beneath the shining star.
Herod, unfortunately, made preparations, too. Deadly, conniving, murderous plans as he found out that there might be a new “king” in town. He planned to weasel information out of the wise men to locate and get rid of the miracle of God. God took care of that!
So many more people were making preparations that Holy night. The excitement of a first birth for Mary, the thrill of the celestial announcements, the awe of the guiding star in the sky for all to see.
Today, we must take time to prepare for Christmas in our hearts and souls. Beyond the gifts, wrapping, tinsel, sparkling trees, traditional foods, music, nativities and parties. Underneath all the busy, somewhat stressful, actions fed by the desire to make it a perfect, happy Christmas for all — is the sacred reason for the birth.
We, the human race, were in a pickle! We needed forgiveness for our sins! Our sins would lead to our death. We couldn’t find any way to fix it ourselves.
God stepped into time and took care of the problem with his perfect Son, Jesus, who willingly took on our sins, on the cross where He shed His blood, died, and rose from His grave in three days to live again — as He invites us to follow Him so that we may live with Him forever.
The red of Christmas? Christ’s blood which will be shed. The green of Christmas? The growth of God’s son from infant to Savior on the cross. The gold of Christmas? The Crown of Christ as the Prince of Peace and King of Kings!
Are you prepared for His coming?
