PREPARE FOR CHRISTMAS

Text: Matthew 3:1 In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea,

          2 And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.

          3 For this is he that was spoken of by the prophet Esaias, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.

          Isaiah 40:3 The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the LORD, make straight in the desert a highway for our God.

          ⁴Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain:

           ⁵And the glory of the LORD shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together: for the mouth of the LORD hath spoken it.

          Christmas is near. I can tell because i see all the preparation taking place. Christmas trees are for sale in the tree lots. Trees are being decorated at home and in church. Gifts are being wrapped. Christmas cards are being sent. The Christmas village at Nancy's house is going up. The lines at the post office are growing longer etc…

          Yes Christmas is almost here. Do you sense the excitement?

          Was John the Baptist preparing for the Christmas holiday or was he preparing for the Messiah Jesus Christ? Let's take a look.

          In ancient times when kings set out to visit some place in his dominion men went before him to prepare the way. The road was repaired. Obstacles were remover. Resting places were made ready etc…

How can we prepare

          Prayer;

          Ephesians 6:18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints.

          When we pray we prepare our hearts for him to come to us at Christmas time.

          Many obstacles can be removed through prayer.

          The greatest revivals in history started with prayer.

         

Attitudes and actions; 

          Philippians 2:4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.

           ⁵Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.

          Christmas is a time of giving. We don't give because we expect to receive in return.

         

          Our attitude should reflect the presence of God that is in our lives.

Concern for those around us;

          John 4:35 Do you not say, 'There are still four months and then comes the harvest'? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!

          What can we do for the community this Christmas?

          We demonstrate the love of God.

          Give of yourself to the less fortunate. Give of your time. Give a word of encouragement.

Prepare the way for Jesus by witnessing

          Acts 1:8 But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

          A witness is one who tells what he has seen and relates his own experience.

          Tell people what Christmas is really about. Tell them how they can have this great relationship that you have with him.