I have been asked this question, as have you, alot! Even today I was asked twice. For some reason that question disturbs me. It is an innocent enough question and I understand everyone's meaning. Have I bought all the stuff yet?! (no, I haven't) Grocery shopped? (Sam's last week!) House clean? (It was on Friday)...
I am ready for Christmas, and have been for over 4 years. See for me, this Christmas is something more personal. It isn't a happy holiday. It is the day God expressed His extreme love for me in that His Son chose to leave His glorious kingdom and become a human like me- for me. Born in humility and to die in humility. Because of what He did, not because of who I am. The Bible tells of His virgin birth, His sacrifice of death because of our sin, and His resurrection from the dead. If it weren't for the sin of man (yours and mine) there would be no NEED for Christmas. Do you get that?
Satan uses something fun and good (sharing gifts) to divert the real meaning of Christmas. Have you ever seen a cat staring at a bright and shiny christmas bulb or ribbon? Their eyes are so transfixed! They don't even blink. Satan has done the same thing. He has tricked us into staring at the shiny thing instead of the Saving thing..The Word! Jesus! The shiny bulb on the tree isn't bad...but it can be when that's what we fix our focus on the stuff.
Jesus' holy spirit put on flesh that day, Christmas Day. Why would He leave glory and splendor and come to Earth knowing His path would end at the cross, covered in my sin, seperated from His Father for the first time? To offer a gift so utterly unbelievable. Are you ready for this? He became like me, flesh, so I could become like Him. I asked forgiveness of my sin and asked Him to be my Lord. See, I accepted the greatest gift of all.
So, sorry if I hesitate when you ask, "Hey Karen, are you ready for christmas?". My heart's desire is to ask you...Are you ready? If you don't have evidence in your life that Jesus transformed you..completely rocked your world and made you NEW, then you're not ready. His word is very clear on this. Jesus came once and He promised to come again for His own.
So Iask with all sincerity, Are you ready for Christmas?
1 comment:
Karen;
I totally feel the same way. I was not sure if it was just me, or what. I did a message on Monday night (last week) and my title was "Something to Think About". I challenged all the Ladies there to focus on the real meaning of Christmas. It is not about a Santa Clause (which we teach our children to honor more than Jesus), it's not about the gifts and the pleasing of people with expensive things. Christmas, Thanksgiving and Easter should be everyday. Praise God for the birth of HIS Son, Everyday is a day of thanksgiving because HE lives, and without HIS death, burial and ressurection, we have no hope. My prayer for myself is that I learn to be gentle with people this time of the year, more patient.
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