Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – December 24, 2014
She gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. Luke 2:7
The preparation for our first baby was exciting and scary. Exciting, because of the anticipation of enjoying God’s gift of life in a little one like us. Scary, because we had never been parents before. She cam with no instruction manual (the Bible of course), but there was so much we didn’t know. My in-laws gave us their Ashley wood burning stove, so like a good dad to be, I cut and split a cord of wood. We thought we were somewhat ready on that cold rainy day in November, but we had much to learn. Parental preparation got us so far, but our experience tested our assumptions.
Joseph and Mary prepared as best they could, but they faced unfriendly circumstances. Crowded travel to another town with no place to stay put pressure on their faith and physical stamina. Even more disturbing was the community’s lack of interest in Christ’s coming. Some came from afar to honor Him, but fewer close by celebrated the birth of their Lord and Savior Jesus. Not many were prepared for Jesus. He came to give life, but began life corralled in the corner of a barn. His audience was lowly beasts incapable of belief. Jesus deserves our proper preparation.
“A voice of one calling: “In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God” (Isaiah 40:3).
How can we prepare for Jesus in our hearts and in our homes? Our humble hearts offer the best hospitality for our Lord and Savior Jesus. He is at home where confession of sin comforts the soul and brings inner contentment. We prepare our hearts for Jesus by keeping them pure. Moreover, our homes grow peaceful as we develop a culture of prayer. We pray at home together and we pray as we go about our day to day activities. Families who prepare for Jesus invite His thinking into their conversations. Read together the words of Christ and apply them to your life.
Indeed, Christmas is our opportunity to prepare for the coming year. We realign our attitude and actions around those of our heavenly Father. We plan ways to become more loving and generous, because of the great love and gift of God in His son Jesus Christ. We know we have prepared for Jesus when we have received Jesus. Have you given your all over to Him? What area of your life needs Christ’s Lordship? Yes, life is continual preparation for what God has next. Trust Him with eternal life, so you can trust Him with life on earth. Prepare for Jesus, He is coming again soon!
“He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus” (Revelation 22:20).
Prayer: Heavenly Father, prepare me to receive everything You have for me in Christ Jesus.
Related Readings: Isaiah 9:6; Micah 5:2; John 1:11; 1 John 5:20
Post/Tweet this today: Our humble heart offers the best hospitality for our Lord Jesus. He is at home where confession of sin is constant. #wisdomhunters
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