Ready for Jesus
And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. He took with him Mary, to whom he was engaged, who was now expecting a child. And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them. Luke 2:4-7
To some, getting ready for Christmas is to have enough time to buy gifts. Others are concern on how to cram schedules for activities such as parties, church observances and traditions. Life is already stressed out with assortment of duties and obligations at work and at home then on top of these is to have enough time for Christmas celebration. No matter how much time you need to send cards, decorate and light the tree, wrap all presents, or finish all the shopping Christmas will come to pass. From the text, Mary and Joseph were eagerly anticipating the birth of baby Jesus. They were willing to travel to Bethlehem for it was the place where it was prophesied that Jesus will be born. “But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village among all the people of Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel, whose origins are in the distant past, will come from you on my behalf” (Micah 5:2). Christmas is all about God who made it possible that the Savior will come to this world at the right time. “But when the right time came, God sent his Son, born of a woman, subject to the law” (Galatians 4:4). God did not hesitate to provide us a gift that He alone could provide by having Jesus born on that first Christmas morning. His love for us prompted Him to make the time and did not allow the events surrounding the birth of Jesus derail His plan. Herod with his own personal agenda tried to prevent people from knowing that the Christ was born. He will suppress the news of Christ’s birth by killing all the children two years and under around Bethlehem. “Herod was furious when he realized that the wise men had outwitted him. He sent soldiers to kill all the boys in and around Bethlehem who were two years old and under” (Matthew 2:16). Though the religious leaders were aware of the birthplace of the Messiah as spoken of in the Old Testament, but they will not have the time to recognize the fulfillment of the prophecy for their hearts will not turn to Christ. Probably you are very familiar with Christmas story because you have heard it told so many times that the wonder of the celebration is no longer present in your heart. You would rather be busy with the peripheral activities surrounding Christmas rather than to take the time to express and worship the Savior. Do not lose the excitement and anticipation of celebrating Christmas that you will have time for buying gifts and attending parties and will not have the time to celebrate His birth. Christ’s birth is God telling us, “I took the time to express to you how much I love you.” God made the intricate preparation for the coming of Jesus Christ in this world so take the time as well to prepare to celebrate His birth. Do not procrastinate but begin each day expressing your gratefulness that He took the time to love you. Choose to be ready for Jesus.
Blessings,
