I think all of us do something to prepare for Christmas. Some go all out with the decorating, buying, baking, etc. Some of us do half of what we used to do and some do minimal. Other than sitting in front of the pretty Christmas tree lights, I love Christmas music. Whether listening at home or singing at church! When Ivey was little we always listened to Christmas music year round. Christmas music always makes me feel good.
I was home alone for a few hours Saturday so I turned my Christmas music way up while I did chores. One of the songs I heard was Mariah Carey’s, “All I Want For Christmas Is You”. The lyrics are, “ “All I want for Christmas Is You. I just want you for my own. More than you could ever know. Make my wish come true. All I want for Christmas is you.” It is a secular song but I felt it was God’s message to me. All He wants is us - just us! And He wants us for His own. Exodus 34: 14, “Do not worship any other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.”
Isn’t that what Christmas is all about? Preparing our hearts for Him because it is all about Him! We are celebrating His birth in which He came here for us. And because He came, we know He will come again so we are anticipating His second coming. When He comes to take us home! Matthew 24: 44, “So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.”
As we prepare our hearts, let’s thank God for sending His only Son to save us. Matthew 1: 23, “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel.” Let’s be like Mary and ponder that as we prepare our hearts for Christmas. Luke 2: 18-19,”...and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.“ Let’s be like Joseph and obey, love and serve Jesus. Matthew 1: 20-21, “But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.’”
Most will agree this has been and continues to be a tough year but God is our Constant.
He will never leave us. Deuteronomy 31: 6, "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." When we came into 2020, He came with us, when we go into 2021, He will go with us. When Jesus came, He brought peace that only He can give. Let’s pray we experience His peace, no matter our circumstances. Luke 2: 13-14, “Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.’”
Let’s prepare our hearts for Christmas. Maybe it really does mean more about being quiet and still. Maybe it is about being in the presence of God. Maybe it is about realizing that all God really wants for Christmas this year is you! Let’s let the miracle of Christmas fill our hearts with joy.
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