A Time of Preparation!

Last night, Kim and I were preparing our Christmas cards and the short family update letter we send out each year. We send out almost 100 cards to people, who for the most part, we don’t really get to see through the year. It can be a lot of work to send out that many cards.  We have to choose the right photo for the card, get the cards printed, write up the letter, print out and stick on address labels (and return address labels), put the stamps on and get them to the post office. It takes a lot of planning and preparation. 

If you think about it, this whole month of December is one of preparation as we prepare for Christmas Day.  We decorate our homes, shop for gifts, bake cookies, plan out meals, send out invitations, etc., all in preparation of our celebrations of Christmas.  We prepare for Christmas services at the church. We prepare for our home gatherings. We prepare to travel to our family or friends. We prepare and prepare and prepare…!

Each of the gospel writers tells of John the Baptist coming with a very simple message before the arrival of Jesus on the scene. His message was, “Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is near.”  The gospel writers refer to him as “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’” (Matthew 3:3 – NIV) His job was one of preparation, preparing the hearts of the people to receive their Messiah!

I’m reminded today that, the most important work of preparation is not done in our homes or in the church building or in the stores. The most important preparations take place in our hearts as we confess our sin, receive God’s grace, and open our hearts by faith to the One who came to be our Savior. The voice of John the Baptist still calls to us today to  “prepare the way for the Lord” as we ready ourselves not only for the celebration of his birth but, even more importantly, his soon return. 

One writer's prayer of preparation was put this way: “O come to my heart, Lord Jesus. There is room in my heart for thee!” And, “My heart shall rejoice, Lord Jesus when thou comest and callest for me!” (Thou Didst Leave Thy Throne” – E.S. Elliot)

So, how are your preparations going? No, not all the shopping, baking, decorating, and planning, but the preparation of your heart for your Savior, Jesus!

Have a great day!

Pastor Tim Harris