Ready or Not

Today I finished the last of my Christmas shopping. I still have other things to do, like writing my Jesus Gift letter, Cleaning house for company, attending Christmas Eve church service, and baking cakes for our Jesus birthday celebration. It felt good to be ready for gift exchange. It seems that time keeps moving forward whether I am ready or not. But, I want to be ready!

There were a few people ready for Jesus to arrive the first time. Mary proved to be ready by saying "yes" to the angel Gabriel bringing the news of God's plan. Would she say yes if she hadn't been ready? Then there was Joseph who also said yes. He needed prompting from a dream because he was unsure of what Mary had told him, but he agreed. Then there was Simeon and Anna in the temple who recognized Jesus and were ready to proclaim His coming!

How do we prepare for the second coming of Jesus? Is there a list to be checked over and over to make sure we have it right? Do we hustle and bustle around town doing our best to make the time merry? The bible tells us that all we to be ready for Jesus is to know Him, recognize Him, and respond to His call. Just as we can only celebrate Christmas fully is to have Christmas spirit, we must have The Holy Spirit in order to celebrate the day Jesus returns.

The most wonderful thing is that The Holy Spirit is a free gift from Jesus to us! He died, and rose again so He could release His Spirit into us! When Jesus comes back to call us His Holy Spirit will respond with a resounding "YES!" and we will join Jesus to live with Him forever.

Jesus is coming ready or not! Time is inching toward that day, so it may be your time to get yourself ready. I hope you will come with me when that day comes!

Jesus, I have no doubt that You are ready for that great day! I believe You are waiting for The Father to send You to gather up all who trust You. Forgive me when I doubt Your coming. Prepare me for that day by teaching me through You Spirit how to be more like You. I am ready to learn!