Are you Ready?

The children in my class have been counting down since December 1st. Each evening they have removed a link from their paper chain in a attempt to keep track of the days left until Christmas. Their excitement is contagious! They just can't wait! They are beyond ready!

Here we just 8 days away from Christmas. Can you believe how quickly the year has gone? You've had 365 days to prepare and yet, I'm guessing that like me, you are not prepared! There are still last minute gifts to buy. There is shopping to do for food and preparations to be made for meals. There are still a few cards that need to be sent and calls of well wishes yet to be made. Oh, and a few quick trips to town to buy more tape and wrapping paper!  Will we ever be ready?

But I have a more serious concern on my heart. Are you ready for Christ? Have you taken time to prepare your heart? Have you stopped and sought the heart of God in preparation to receive his precious gift? Are you ready to receive Jesus? Let me help you see why I ask you this very important question...

Bethlehem was a city abuzz with activity. The census was to be taken. I can envision the scene so clearly. So many people were coming to town! The marketers no doubt had stocked their shelves as best they could to meet the needs of the travelers. Homes were being cleaned and food was being prepared. Guests were coming! Family and friends were coming from out of town and they would dawn the doorsteps in no time. So much to do! So little time. The rush was in full force.

Why can I envision the scene so clearly? Because dear GFF, we are living it. Look around you at the bustle of activity. Marketers stocking their shelves. Shoppers in droves looking for that perfect item and searching for all the necessary food supplies. Homes are being cleaned and decorated. Conversations abound about when and where family and friends will gather together. All without much attention to the real reason of Christmas... the coming of our savior.

We are reliving the story of Jesus birth. God is sending his greatest gift. His ultimate blessing. And just as in the original story, in many hearts and lives there is no thought, concern, or even a bit of room for this glorious child. Will you slow down and notice? Will you stop the hustle and bustle and allow Him to show you his glory? Or like those in Bethlehem, will you totally miss the arrival of Our Savior?

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:7 MSG