Prepare the Way

Luke 3:4-6:  As is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: "A voice of one calling in the desert, 'Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. And all mankind will see God's salvation.' "

It’s hard to imagine how the Jews of the day could have missed the coming of the Messiah. The coming of the Messiah was foretold in Scripture. Specific situations and circumstances surrounding His birth foretold were detailed. Angels appeared to the shepherds to announce His arrival. A man named Simeon announced in the temple that Jesus was God’s promised salvation. Anna, a prophetess, declared that Jesus was the redemption of Jerusalem.

And yet most people missed the arrival of the Christ, God’s promised Messiah. How can that be?

I think I might know. How many of you are ready for Christmas? How many of you have all your presents bought, wrapped, sent? Is your house all decorated, presents under the tree? Do you have all your food purchased? How many of you feel like you are prepared for Christmas? Or, how many of you are like me and are still wondering how Christmas got here so fast when it seems we just had Thanksgiving last week?

HURRY

This is the age
Of the half-read page.
And the quick hash
And the mad dash.
The bright night
With the nerves tight.
The plane hop
With the brief stop.
The lamp tan
In a short span.
The Big Shot
In a good spot.
And the brain strain
The heart pain.
And the cat naps
Till the spring snaps
-- And the fun's done!

Can This Be Christmas

What's all this hectic rush and worry?
Where go these crowds who run and curry?
Why all the lights -- the Christmas trees?
The jolly "fat man," tell me please!
Why, don't you know? This is the day
For parties and for fun and play;
Why this is Christmas!
So this is Christmas, do you say?
But where is Christ this Christmas day?
Has He been lost among the throng?
His voice drowned out by empty song?
No. He's not here -- you'll find Him where
Some humble soul now kneels in prayer,
Who knows the Christ of Christmas.
But see the many aimless thousands
Who gather on this Christmas Day,
Whose hearts have never yet been opened,
Or said to Him, "Come in to stay."
In countless homes the candles burning,
In countless hearts expectant yearning
For gifts and presents, food and fun,
And laughter till the day is done.
But not a tear of grief or sorrow
For Him so poor He had to borrow
A crib, a colt, a boat, a bed
Where He could lay His weary head.
I'm tired of all this empty celebration,
Of feasting, drinking, recreation;
I'll go instead to Calvary.
And there I'll kneel with those who know
The meaning of that manger low,
And find the Christ -- this Christmas.
I leap by faith across the years
To that great day when He appears
The second time, to rule and reign,
To end all sorrow, death, and pain.
In endless bliss we then shall dwell
With Him who saved our souls from hell,
And worship Christ -- not Christmas!

Don’t let this Christmas pass you by. Decide now that this Christmas you will celebrate the birth of Christ with your family. Today, make plans with your family to make Christ central in your Christmas. Set aside time to ponder the marvel of Christ’s birth. Not just a cute baby born in a stable, but the Lord of glory, the creator of all that is who chose to become flesh in the humblest of circumstances so that we, lowly sinners, could have a relationship with Him.

Serving Him,

Pastor Larry

I Chronicles 28:20 ‘Be strong and courageous, and do the work. Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD God, my God, is with you. He will not fail you or forsake you until all the work for the service of the temple of the LORD is finished.’