It’s Important to Prepare for the Spirit of Christ

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Are you someone who believes it’s important to prepare in advance? Are you ready for the days ahead?

Are you patting yourself on the back because your organizing skills have enabled you to enjoy a calm and relaxing week?

No! Me either.

I admit I can get so busy preparing for the physical celebration of Christmas that I fail to prepare sufficiently for the spiritual celebration of Christ Jesus.

That may be why this quote grabbed my attention the other day…

“The spirit of Christmas needs to be superseded by the Spirit of Christ.
The spirit of Christmas is annual; the Spirit of Christ is eternal.
The spirit of Christmas is sentimental; the Spirit of Christ is supernatural.
 The spirit of Christmas is a human product; the Spirit of Christmas is a divine person. 
That makes all the difference in the world.” 
~Rev. Stuart Briscoe

I love celebrating the spirit of Christmas … the music, lights, time with family and friends, delicious treats, and sharing of gifts. I love that many people embrace the goal of trying to make it a kinder, more compassionate, and more generous world.

And I even love giving and receiving presents.

But after reading Rev. Briscoe’s words, I don’t want the “spirit of Christmas” to get in the way of the more important “Spirit of Christmas.”

I want to surrender completely to the Holy Spirit and humbly let Him prepare my heart for Jesus remembering that the celebration of His birth is just the beginning.

♥ The Lord’s Spirit prepares us for the day Jesus will fulfill every promise…

I am going to prepare a place for you. When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.

John 14:2b–3

“But when the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered in His presence. “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world.

Matthew 25:31–32a, 34

The Spirit keeps me from being so focused on the annual festivities that I fail to prepare for Jesus 2nd coming and our glorious eternal celebration.

I know it’s hard right now … our to-do lists beckon and everyone in our lives has a last-minute request. But let’s stop for a moment and center our hearts on the Spirit of Christ not just the spirit of Christmas.

It’s Important to Prepare
for the Spirit of Christ

But how? What do we need to prepare for Jesus?

1. Look – Intentionally look for the ways the Lord is at work around us. Look for Him to work in and through people and count every blessing.

The Lord is merciful and compassionate,
    slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
The Lord is good to everyone.
    He showers compassion on all his creation.
The Lord always keeps his promises;
    he is gracious in all he does.

Psalm 145:8–9, 13b

2. Listen – Spend time in God’s Word, prayer, and silence. Listen patiently for the voice of the Lord’s Spirit.

“I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life.” John 5:24

John 5:24

3. Live – Live in God’s love. Thank and praise Him for His grace and mercy showing us His love in human flesh. And Share the gift of God’s grace, mercy, and love with everyone around us.

Imitate God, therefore, in everything you do, because you are His dear children. Live a life filled with love, following the example of Christ. He loved us and offered Himself as a sacrifice for us, a pleasing aroma to God.

Ephesians 5:1–2

Let’s pray…

A Prayer to Prepare for the Spirit of Christ

Father, thank you for giving Jesus, the best gift of all. Although we don’t know the actual date or time of His birth, I love the blessing of pausing to celebrate His arrival. You promised to send a Savior and people watched and waited until like the wilderness wanderers, they became distracted and doubtful.

As we wait for Him to return, it’s easy to get distracted by life and fail to focus on Jesus, who made our celebration possible. Please help me LOOK by focusing my heart and mind on all He has done, continues to do, and promises for my eternal future. Help me LISTEN for the Spirit of Christ that I might live according to Your will. And help me LIVE every day celebrating and sharing Your love.

Christmas is a special time to celebrate Christ, the Messiah. I pray that You will help me humbly prepare my heart and fully surrender to the Spirit of my Savior. Give me peace about the details of gifts, food, and decorating that aren’t perfect, and help me center my celebration on Jesus the greatest gift of all. I ask this in His holy name. Amen.

Pause for a moment today to be still.

Because it’s important to prepare and remember…

“This is Christmas: not the tinsel, not the giving and receiving, not even the carols, but the humble heart that receives anew the wondrous gift, the Christ.” ~Frank McKibben

So…

Are you ready?

May the Lord bless your Christmas with an abundance of the Spirit of Christ.

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