This Sunday officially kicks off the Advent Season and it won’t be long before we’re asked, “Are you ready for Christmas?” We will begin to hear this common question of the season from the clerk that is checking us out at stores, bank tellers, nurses at the doctor’s office, strangers and friends. We all know what the question is directed toward—is your shopping complete, presents wrapped and under the tree. It is hard not to get caught up in the buying, wrapping, glitter, bright lights, and decorations of the season. But perhaps that question asked should be one we ponder in a different sort of way this year and re-think the words to ask, “Are you ready for Christ?” In the Gospel of Matthew we hear how John the Baptist made the way ready for Jesus:
In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea 2 and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” 3 This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah:
“A voice of one calling in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for him. (Matthew 3: 1-3)
The term “repent” is not a particularly popular word in our culture today. It means to turn away from worldly ways, change and transform ones ways to be more like God. It is to ask God to forgive us for our rebellious ways and begin to live more like Him. This is how we prepare the way for our Lord to live in us each and every day.
Perhaps this season when asked “Are you ready for Christmas?” we replace the word Christmas with Christ and ask “Are you ready for Christ?” This may help us truly be prepared for Christmas!
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