Get Ready::Matthew 3:1-12

“In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.” V 1.

The best way to prepare for Christmas is to Repent! Christmas marks the time when the world remembers the creator coming to earth in the flesh, as a human being. The King of heaven and earth came to bring his kingdom near. As his subjects, we prepare for the coming king by repenting of following the way that seems best to us and submitting ourselves once again to his authority. Remember John was a Jew preaching to fellow Jews. For 2100 years, God had been working with the Jews to be his chosen people. Now the moment had come. God was drawing near. The Messiah was coming. What would they do?

John was a classic old testament prophet—rough clothes, gnarly food, uncut hair and unshaven beard, preaching hellfire and damnation for the disobedient. And the Jews, the people of God, hungry to draw near to this promised kingdom, came out in droves. They confessed their sins and accepted John’s baptism in water to mark their confession and seal God’s pardon. They prepared their hearts to welcome the coming king.

What about us? As Christians, we do not have to fear judgement. "For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." John 3:17. That is a great comfort, for we are weak and often fall back into our old ways of sin. Yet this assurance of salvation should not lull us into complacency. We are the people of God just as those Jews listening to John. John calls us as well as them to prepare for the coming king.

During these days before Christmas, are we taking time to take stock of our lives? Are we too busy getting the tree up, the packages bought, the parties prepared? Is the reason for our excitement at this time of year all the presents and food and family time? Are we depressed because of broken families or grieving lost family members? Are we cruising along without any change at all?

Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. John preaches with urgency. Make the most of this time, for our king is coming. Presents are not bad. Jesus himself loved parties. But why do we give? Why do we party? Is it self-indulgence or acts of kindness? Do we use this time of get togethers for reconciliation and blessing relationships or time to draw into ourselves in isolation? Use this season wisely for the time is coming when it will all be over. Then the wheat will be gathered into the barn and the chaff burnt with unquenchable fire.

Courage as you follow him who loves you best,

James