People
are counting down the final days until Christmas. Checking off the gift lists
and wrapping packages. The aroma of cookies and candy waft from kitchens across
the globe. Christmas trees are already aglow and stockings line up the mantles.
Christmastime brings lots of preparations. Are we preparing a place for Christ?
Saint
Nicholas might be glad to know people want to follow his example of generosity.
However, sadness would fill his heart if he knew the extent and motivation behind
some gift-giving today. Saint Nicholas secretly
gave gifts long ago because of his humble spirit. His heart and focus belonged
to God.
As
final preparations are made let’s ask God what He would like for Christmas.
Include these things on your calendar and “to do” list. Talk with your family
and friends and decide ways you can prepare a place for Christ this week.
Some
suggestions:
v
Keep
a manger in front of your tree to draw focus on Christ rather than the gifts.
v
Set
up a Nativity scene. Have family members read from the Bible, or tell what they
know about each piece.
v
Encourage
children to take a break from the words, “I want…” and think about ways to
serve others.
v
Participate
in church activities. Check your local paper for events such as a live nativity
scene and Christ-centered Christmas programs.
v
Share
baked goods with those less fortunate. Volunteer at a homeless shelter or soup
kitchen. Sing Christmas carols.
v
Buy
gifts for those in need. Try including a gift that shares the good news and
hope of Jesus Christ.
v
Invite
someone, who does not have a family, over for a meal.
v
Include
the real meaning of Christmas in your outdoor decorations for others to see.
v
Donate
to a charity that spreads the gospel such as Samaritan’s Purse and Compassion
International.
v
Carve
out time each night for a special family devotion. There are many great
Christmas devotion books to choose from or you can read from the Bible.
God loved us so much he sent Jesus. He came to make a way for us to live
forever. He is preparing a place for us when we leave this earth. Until then,
shouldn’t we prepare a place for him here?
“And
if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that
where I am, there you may be also.” John
14:3
What about you? How are you keeping Jesus in your
Christmas preparations, in your life, and in your heart?
