Are You Ready for Christmas?

I love this season of the year, and I love the hustle and bustle that goes along with it. I am a last minute shopper and that is just part of the fun for me. Giving gifts, wow that is a real blessing and makes a body feel good. On the other hand, I really like being with my family and friends and just relaxing at home.

A question we often ask each other during this season ism “Are You Ready for Christmas?” When we hear these words, we immediately think of the things we have left to do before the big day – Christmas. Do we have all of our gifts purchased for our family and friends? Do we have all of the food products we need for that special Christmas meal? Do we have the travel arrangements and plans made for getting together? Do we have the tree, trimmings and decorations in place? I have been reflecting on this question and even my thoughts when I hear it these days. “Are You Ready for Christmas” could mean and should mean a totally different thing. God sent His one and only Son Jesus to die for us, and we celebrate His birth on Christmas. But that was only a part of the story. Jesus lived and Jesus died. God raised Him from the dead, and because of that we can be forgiven of our sins and spend eternity with God. WOW! When we ask each other “Are You Ready for Christmas?” – it should mean have we prepared our hearts and lives to spend eternity with Jesus, the Birthday we celebrate at Christmas.

So, let me challenge each of us. As we hear those words this season, make it a point to go discuss them with those loved ones around us (a group that it is often hardest to talk to about eternity). Talk about being ready for eternity with Christmas. It is our calling as Christ Followers to tell others and ask others if they are truly ready for eternity with Christmas. Most people really are not offended by the question. They need to be asked. God wants us to ask. Just ask.

I hope and pray that you have a great Christmas and that God uses you to touch a life for eternity this Christmas.