Preparation: Christmas Eve

A great old hymn has this part in it: “My hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus’ blood and righteousness. I dare not trust the sweetest frame, but wholly cling to Jesus’ name. On Christ the Solid Rock I stand, all other ground is sinking sand.”

It brings hope close and shows us that in God’s plan for mankind He built Jesus into it, the Hope of the World. Men could only see a baby – what could a baby do? What the heavenly hosts saw was HOPE incarnate. They knew God’s plan would work. God anticipated this day, God had prepared for this day. Now all of heaven can rejoice and celebrate the coming KING.

After an angel announced the arrival of Jesus other angels sang in celebration, “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will toward men” (Luke 2:14).

It was as if they wanted the celebration to begin with lots of hoopla and fanfare, but it was very still and quiet after they left. How surprising, and possibly confusing this was!

All the planning and prepping for this GREAT DAY in history. What had been done behind the scenes was more magnificent than anyone could imagine. Only God knew, but now we also know.

What will we do to make this day special, more special than other days?

We have taken the time needed to anticipate and prepare, and now the celebration can begin – this is a huge part of what Christmas is about. Hebrews 6 shows us this principle in our Christian life.

Hebrews 6:11-12 - Our great desire is that you will keep right on loving others as long as life lasts, in order to make certain that what you hope for will come true. Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. Instead, you will follow the example of those who are going to inherit God’s promises because of their faith and patience.

Loving kindness towards others will keep you less focused on self, while focus on self makes you spiritually dull.

Today, as you put those final touches on things, know that you have awaited His first coming as part of preparing for your Christmas celebrations. Now you are awaiting His second coming. For this you will need patience, but you can still prepare for and tell others about His second coming.

Have faith in His promises today and always. JESUS will return because HE said He would.

Hebrews 11:1 - What is faith? It is the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen. It is the evidence of things we cannot yet see.

Sing “O Holy Night” and “Silent Night.”

Written by Inga-Lill Guzik. All Scripture References are from The New Living Translation