It's December 1st, the beginning of the final month of 2009 and the countdown to Christmas. What kind of preparations are you using your time for this year?
Hours decorating and cleaning your home? Days shopping for the perfect gift for everyone on your list, wrapping them in beautiful paper and bows? Will you spend time addressing and mailing Christmas cards, afternoons baking cookies, and evenings going to parties? Will you feel increasing stress and pressure, and maybe even resentment as "the day" looms closer and you aren't ready?
Are you reserving any time to prepare spiritually to rejoice in the birth of the Savior?
“If Jesus were making a holiday preparations list, what would He include?
What if those who were there on Christ's birth day could advise us on getting ready for Christmas? What would be on their list?
Joseph might recommend we listen closely to the voice of God to prepare. Mary may suggest we ponder the miracles of heaven.Perhaps the angels would propose we sing about the King.The shepherds may gently guide us to follow their act of worship.
Possibly the wise men would teach us to give Jesus our most valuable gifts.
The innkeeper may suggest "Hospitality: open your heart and home." And Jesus' list would likely encourage us to be a light on the hill pointing the way for others to know Him.” –Van Walton
What would you be doing if you were there, living in the time of His birth? Would you have missed the chance to welcome the new born babe, born in a humble stable and pre-ordained to save all mankind because you were too busy? Would you have even noticed the brightly shining star in the sky?
What kind of a Christmas do you want to have?
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