Prepare for Christ(mas)

God has waited a long time to be with you…

The love story that is revealed in the scriptures shows how much preparation has gone into being reunited with you, his child, and billions of our fellow human beings.

It begins with the calling of Abraham and his response of trust/faith. God builds a nation that learns through the Law that life is meant to be lived in love for God and neighbour, that justice and mercy are requirements of society, and that sin and evil require an accounting…

They learn through Exodus that God saves us and not vice versa.

They learn through centuries of disobedience that knowing good morals is not the same as being a moral person. To know what is right and not be able to do it is the curse and the wisdom of the Old Testament.

They learn through the prophets that God is coming to make it right it again. That everything to now has been preparation for that event. The Messiah is coming says Isaiah 500 years before he comes. And Isaiah speaks of someone coming just before the Messiah to

“Prepare the way for the Lord,
       make straight paths for him.

    ⁵ Every valley shall be filled in,
       every mountain and hill made low.
       The crooked roads shall become straight,
       the rough ways smooth.  And all people will see God’s salvation” Lk 3:3-6 & Is 40:3-5

This is John the Baptist.

He preached “repentance” as part of your preparation to meet your God. This means to examine our whole way of life and turn it around toward God rather than toward self-centredness.

God spent thousands of years building nations, sending people, having scriptures written, just so that he could meet you and be reconciled like a long lost son with a grieving Father. Wow! What love!

John the Baptists asks us the question in return, “What are you doing to prepare yourself for God?” Are you keen to prepare or is the love between you and God decidedly lop-sided.

Christmas is a busy season because we prepare so much for the human side of the celebration. How about making God central to your celebration this year to show him your love. How? Well, that may take forethought and preparation…

Graeme H