Some people have been preparing for Christmas for weeks. The hobby stores are full of Christmas “to-do” projects. We have received a truckload of Christmas cataloges at home. Hallmark has their stores full of the newest and shiniest and best Christmas ornaments. Decorations will begin going up around the city before we know it.

As I have observed these “preparations” it has caused me to stop and think about what I need to do to prepare this year for Christmas 2002. I don’t mean early shopping or getting cards ready to go out early. I mean what do I need to do to prepare my heart for Christmas. Spitirually, what would make this Christmas special.

God sent us the greatest gift imaginable over two thousand years ago. It amazes me how I can go through a December and hardly acknowledge this gift. I want this year to be different. I do not want to miss the gift. This is the year I want to give to Jesus what is the hardest for me to give. I want to give Him my time. I want to begin to focus on Jesus Christ daily. I want to know Him better than I ever have.

I will follow a simple plan - one that I truly can do. I will take a Bible, a devotional book, a yellow pad, and a pen. I will find a quiet place and each week I will spend time with Jesus. I will read and pray and listen. I really want to listen. As I do this, I have a feeling that the rest of Christmas will fall into place. On December 26^th instead of being exhausted, I think I will be rejoicing at what God has done in my life. Would you join me?

PAST ARTICLES: Sept 2002