Promise.... Getting ready?

"Be alert at all times, praying that you may have the strength to escape all these things that will take place, and to stand before the Son of Man."  (Luke 21:36)

How are you doing with getting ready for the holidays?  Do you have a schedule, or maybe a list, of the things to get done?  Have you ever thought about what it means?  I have worked with international students who didn't understand "are you ready."  There also seems to be more and more we need to get ready for - doesn't there?  And, according to advertising, and pressure from outside, we should be starting sooner and doing more.  Then, to add to the hectic schedule, we give you an Advent study.

There have been difficulties preparing for this celebration since the very first one -- the birth of Jesus.  Think of the issues Mary faced, single unwed mother, the wise men faced (coming to celebrate the birth of a king) in traveling, the traveling Mary and Joseph had to do and why they were traveling.  There was a lot happening back then also.  If you look at what the reading in Jeremiah says (Jeremiah 33:14-16) Jeremiah is reminding the people God keeps God's promises - a Savior ("The LORD is our righteousness." v. 16) will come.  Things had been difficult since Genesis but God kept calling the people back to God.  The prophets kept calling the people back.  Things happening, busy people, difficulties following where God is leading is NOT something new.  People doing bad things is NOT something new -- look at what Herod was doing!

Advent is the start of the "new" church year.  Why not start our New Year's resolutions with putting God first?  We could start by making sure we have time with God every day - even if it means getting up a little earlier or going to bed a little later.  A Caregivers schedule is VERY hectic, with a lot to get done, but God gives us the strength to continue.  Spending time with God, preparing to celebrate God's Son's birthday is a wonderful way to thank God and renew our strength with God.  Are you ready?