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Luke 2:7 - Prepare For Jesus.

Luke 2:7 - Prepare For Jesus.

Luke 2:7 (NKJV) And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and 
wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there 
was no room for them in the inn.  

   The preparation for our first baby was exciting and scary. 
Exciting, because of the anticipation of enjoying God's gift of life in a 
little one like us. Scary, because we had never been parents before. 
She came with no instruction manual (the Bible of course), but there 
was so much we didn't know. My in-laws gave us their Ashley wood 
burning stove, so like a good dad to be, I cut and split a cord of wood. 
We thought we were somewhat ready on that cold rainy day in 
November, but we had much to learn. Parental preparation got us so far, 
but our experience tested our assumptions. 
   Joseph and Mary prepared as best they could, but they faced 
unfriendly circumstances. Crowded travel to another town with no place to 
stay put pressure on their faith and physical stamina. Even more 
disturbing was the community's lack of interest in Christ's coming. Some 
came from afar to honor Him, but fewer close by celebrated the birth 
of their Lord and Savior Jesus. Not many were prepared for Jesus. 
He came to give life, but began life corralled in the corner of a 
barn. His audience was lowly beasts incapable of belief. Jesus 
deserves our proper preparation.  
   How can we prepare for Jesus in our hearts and in our homes? 
Our humble hearts offer the best hospitality for our Lord and Savior 
Jesus. He is at home where confession of sin comforts the soul and 
brings inner contentment. We prepare our hearts for Jesus by keeping 
them pure. Moreover, our homes grow peaceful as we develop a culture 
of prayer. We pray at home together and we pray as we go about our 
day to day activities. Families who prepare for Jesus invite His 
thinking into their conversations. Read together the words of Christ and 
apply them to your life.  
   Indeed, Christmas is our opportunity to prepare for the 
coming year. We realign our attitude and actions around those of our 
heavenly Father. We plan ways to become more loving and generous, because 
of the great love and gift of God in His son Jesus Christ. We know 
we have prepared for Jesus when we have received Jesus. Have you 
given your all over to Him? What area of your life needs Christ's 
Lordship? Yes, life is continual preparation for what God has next. Trust 
Him with eternal life, so you can trust Him with life on earth. 
Prepare for Jesus, He is coming again soon! [Wisdom Hunters Devotional 
12/24/14] 

   Nearly two thousand years ago in an obscure village, a child 
was born of a peasant woman. He grew up in another village where He 
worked as a carpenter until He was thirty. Then for three years He 
became an itinerant preacher. 
   This Man never went to college or seminary. He never wrote a 
book. He never held a public office. He never had a family nor owned a 
home. He never put His foot inside a big city nor traveled even 200 
miles from His birthplace. And though He never did any of the things 
that usually accompany greatness, throngs of people followed Him. He 
had no credentials but Himself. 
   While He was still young, the tide of public opinion turned 
against Him. His followers ran away. He was turned over to His enemies 
and went through the mockery of a trial. He was sentenced to death 
on a cross between two thieves. While He was dying, His 
executioners gambled for the only piece of property He had on earth -- the 
simple coat He had worn. His body was laid in a borrowed grave provided 
by a compassionate friend. 
   But three days later this Man arose from the dead - living 
proof that He was, as He had claimed, the Savior whom God had sent, 
the Incarnate Son of God. 
   Nineteen centuries have come and gone and today the risen 
Lord Jesus Christ is the central figure of the human race. On our 
calendars His birth divides history into two eras. One day of every week 
is set aside in remembrance of Him. And our two most important 
holidays celebrate His birth and resurrection. On church steeples around 
the world His cross has become the symbol of victory over sin and 
death. 
   This one Man's life has furnished the theme for more songs, 
books, poems and paintings than any other person or event in history. 
Thousands of colleges, hospitals, orphanages and other institutions have 
been founded in honor of this One who gave His life for us. 
   All the armies that ever marched, all the navies that ever 
sailed, all the governments that ever sat, all the kings that ever 
reigned have not changed the course of history as much as this One 
Solitary Life. [Good News Publishers, Wheaton, Illinois] 

   I speak to you from the depths of eternity. Before the world 
was formed, I AM! You hear Me in the depths of your being, where I 
have taken up residence. I am Christ in you, the hope of Glory. I, 
your Lord and Savior, am alive within you. Learn to tune in to My 
living Presence by seeking Me in silence. 
   As you celebrate the wonder of My birth in Bethlehem, 
celebrate also your rebirth into eternal life. This everlasting gift was 
the sole purpose of My entering your sin-stained world. Receive My 
gift with awe and humility. Take time to explore the vast dimensions 
of My Love. Allow thankfulness to flow freely from your heart in 
response to My glorious gift. Let My Peace rule in your heart and be 
thankful. (Psa. 90:2; Col. 1:27; 3:15) [Jesus Calling by Sarah Young] 

SPECIAL VIDEO ON THE INCOMPARABLE CHRIST:

The Incomparable Christ: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6021L0oWFDM 

SPECIAL SONGS FOR THE SEASON:

Listen to the Angels Singing by The Martins [Live]: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-42QtR7RSw 

Go Tell by The Martins [Live]: 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5UrPzelutyY