At this time of year, people frequently ask each other, “Are you ready for Christmas?” There are familiar signs that we recognize, which mean the Christmas season is upon us. It could be when the Christmas gifts first start to appear in the shops. Or maybe when you make that special Christmas cake or pudding. For some, it is when they get the Christmas tree and put up their decorations and start to hear carols being played on the radio. They are all markers, all signs, announcing that Christmas day is drawing closer and closer.
Are we ready to Receive the Savior of the World?
But for many, as quickly as it comes, by the end of Christmas day, it is over. All that effort and hard work just for a few hours celebrating – unless we look closer! There in the Bethlehem nativity scene, we can see a glimpse of God’s redemption plan. This is not the end of a story, but the beginning of a whole new era if we are able to see beyond the manger to the cross. It is by acknowledging that Jesus’ death and sacrifice has brought forgiveness for our sins that we are able to receive the greatest gift, our salvation.
Sometimes we need to pause and check our perspective, to see through all the glitter and glitz, to the heart of the Christmas message. The birth of Jesus issues an invitation, to receive the Savior of the world, and to celebrate, not for just one day, but for eternity!
“For God did not send His Son into the world that He might condemn the world, but that the world might be saved through Him.” John 3:17 HCSB
Are We Ready to Receive the King of Glory?
Perhaps this Christmas is the time to reflect once more, as we wait to celebrate Jesus’ first coming, we are also waiting for His second coming. He is waiting for us to turn to Him and welcome Him into the reality of our everyday lives. To seek a deeper relationship with the Lord, that we might know Him more, as we wait in anticipation for His second coming.
Are we prepared and ready for King Jesus, the King of Glory?
We are encouraged to live responsibly and courageously, until Jesus’ return. Just as there are signs that we recognize the approaching Christmas season, the Bible teaches that there are signs and markers, which prepare us for His return.
Jesus taught that we are to keep watch and be alert for the signs. This is not for making predictions for the date of His return, for only the Father knows the day and the hour, but rather to be on our guard against spiritual deception and complacency.
We plan for next week, next month, and even next year, but live each day by faith, as if Jesus is about to return tomorrow. That grounds us with a watchfulness over our lives, not with any fear or condemnation, but prepared and ready.
In all the busyness of this Christmas season, let us take time to reflect once again, on the gift that we have been given. Let us see the reality of our Savior, in our daily lives, and prepare our hearts to welcome King Jesus.
Let us celebrate today and every day!
“Lift up your heads, you gates! Rise up, ancient doors! Then the King of glory will come in. Who is He, this King of glory? The Lord of Hosts – He is the King of glory. Selah” Psalm 24:9-10 HCSB
