That's right... it IS almost here. So I need to know, are you ready for Christmas?
"Sure, I'm ready! I've bought the presents for the wife, husband, kids, grandkids, etc. Sure, I'm ready!"
I don't need those answers... nor do I need to know if you've planned all the parties and meals. Or whether the lights are up or the tree is trimmed. I've no need to know what you found for Aunt Martha, or what your nephew Tim's answer would be if you ask "boxers or briefs?".
"Sure, I'm ready! I've volunteered to pass out candy canes at the local school. Sure, I'm ready!"
It's not important how much you get (or give for that matter). It doesn't make any difference how much is under your tree Christmas morning, or if you've taken time for every Christmas tradition of the past. All of these are part of the Christmas season, but the cliche' about Jesus being the Reason for the Season, still holds true.
"Sure, I'm ready! I've donated food and gifts for the needy. Sure, I'm ready!"
Have you taken time to recognize if there’s any obstacles blocking the Lord's way into (or more deeply into) your heart? Are you spreading His message of Peace, Love & Hope that the world needs so much?
"Sure, I'm ready! I've rang the bell at the local grocery store. Sure, I'm ready!"
I recently read an illustration from the comic strip "Jump Start" that went something like this.
Clarence is dragging his Christmas tree down to the curb, when he's approached by his neighbor Joe who says, "Hey, Scrooge, what are you doing?"
"This must look strange, huh, Joe? It's not even New Year's and I'm dragging my tree to the curb."
"What's the rush, big guy?", says Joe.
"Something weird has happened to the holidays, Joe. Charlene & I are totally stressed out, and my son isn't even playing with his new toys. How come the holidays seemed so much better when we were kids?"
Joe's answer? "Because back then we referred to the Holidays as Christmas!"
"Sure, I'm ready! I've decorated the church, the house, the office, and the car. Sure, I'm ready!"
For most of us, Christmas brings out the best we have to offer. Others are afraid to be happy. Nurturing fears & hurts. Not ready to celebrate & rejoice, because they won't let Christ set them free. If there was ever a time for rejoicing, it's Christmas. The Lord came into our world... a babe in a manger.
Now that's a reason to celebrate!
So, once again I ask, ARE YOU READY? How about starting fresh & new today... Living each and every day like it's Christmas Day!
Merry CHRISTmore!
Johnny:)
What can I give him poor as I am?
If I were a shepherd, I would bring him a lamb.
If I were a wise man, I would do my part;
Yet what can I give him? I'll give him my heart.
-Christina Rossetti