Preparations

This morning I continued preparations for Saturday when my family will gather together for the annual Christmas party. I gave the dog a bath, washed the floors, got Christmas cards organized, and made a list of what needs done before Saturday morning. We always prepare for something that means a lot to us, and it is this preparation that I see in the Bible when we look at the Old Testament and the mentions again and again of Jesus.

The Bible says in 1 Peter 1:20 that God, before the foundation of the world, had already began preparations for the greatest Christmas gift we would ever receive—Jesus. We can see as we page through the Old Testament so many different ways that God prepared the way for what would happen the day Jesus would be born, and for what would happen afterward. In Luke 24:44, Jesus notes that the Old Testament books (the Law of Moses, the Prophets, the Psalms) were making reference to Him and must be fulfilled (Matthew 5:17). As so many people this month are celebrating the birth of Jesus, it is important to take a look at how much preparation went on beforehand to grasp a better understanding of the love God has for each one of us.

When we organize a party, build a house, start a business, work on a project, etc., we spend a lot of time on preparatory work. With something of such great value to us, we invest a great deal of effort and consideration to get it just right, as perfect as possible. God cares so very much for you. He is very big on details and has beautifully orchestrated everything from the foundation of the world to the plan He has for your life. He loves you so much that He has each hair on your head numbered (Matthew 10:30, Luke 12:7). As you prepare for your Christmas gatherings this season, please do not lose sight of the love of God and His perfect plan that He has been working on since the foundation of the world. You fit into that plan. He has a purpose for your life and He wants to be a part of your life. Today is as good a day as any to accept what He has to offer—the greatest Christmas gift you’ll ever get.