If you have been out and about at all in December, you have run into a bunch of people getting ready for something. That something is Christmas! Some folks love the hustle and bustle of Christmas shopping. Some become very impatient. Some are rude. Some continue with a smile on their face. Some are just going through the motions.

There are also a bunch of people getting ready at home for Christmas too. Trimming trees, decorating cookies, pulling out Christmas china, wrapping presents, addressing Christmas cards and a whole lot more.

Yes, there is a lot going on. What exactly are we doing? We are preparing for Christmas. But I wonder, are we preparing ourselves for Christmas? Let me share a few things we should be doing to prepare ourselves for Christmas while we’re preparing our homes for Christmas.

1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NIV) says, “Pray continually.” While we are buzzing around, let’s be praying. Pray for the single mom who is trying to make Christmas enjoyable for her children. Pray for the grumpy sales clerk who may have been given some bad news. Pray for those in ministry. Pray for our police, firefighters and military who protect us as we’re running around. Pray.

We find in 2 Timothy 2:15 (NIV) that we are to “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” While there is craziness going on around us, let’s be mindful of who we are. We belong to God. God’s disapproval of my actions leads me to want to do better. To be better. And don’t forget to be in His Word. Don’t put it aside because you are too busy. Cut something else out, but spend time with God before heading out. You’ll be glad you did.

Read 2 Timothy 2:20-22. In these verses you’ll find that we are to keep pure and run from sinful desires. We are to pursue righteousness and faith and love and peace. We are to enjoy fellowship with other believers. Now isn’t this what Christmas is all about? Let’s prepare ourselves for noble purposes. It’s no telling how God will use us in this state.

James 1:22 (NIV) says, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” It’s not good enough to know what God’s Word says. Friends, we must do what it says. Love your neighbor. Give your worries to God. Be kind and compassionate to one another. These are just a few, but just think of how Christmas could be if we all lived by these commands.

And finally 1 Peter 3:15 (NIV) tells us “But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” If you live by the guidelines above and make Christ the Lord of your life, people will take notice. They will wonder what makes you different in this world of preparation. Well, you know. You have hope in Jesus Christ and anyone who gives their life to Jesus can experience the same. Share Jesus with others. It’s the best gift they can receive this Christmas season.

I pray that your last Saturday before Christmas is filled with righteousness and faith and love and peace. Merry Christmas!

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna