He prepared for me.
Have I prepared for him?
“Are you ready for Christmas?”
It’s December small talk.
And technically, no, I’m not ready.
I still have gifts to wrap. More to buy. Cards to write.
Sometimes I prepare well.
I set a nice table. I light the candles. I choose mood music.
It makes a difference.
John prepared for Jesus (Matthew 3:2-3).
He set hearts on edge.
“Wake up! Get ready! He’s coming!”
Jesus prepared for the cross (John 17:11).
He made disciples. He loved thoroughly.
He met his mission.
God prepared for me (Ephesians 2:10).
I am his fabric, designed for beautiful creations.
Knowing the path I’ll walk, He’s laid out provisions for my journey.
Am I prepared to use them?
Not just for Christmas, although there is a mission there, too.
Am I prepared for a new year? Am I prepared for new works?
Some are shaping before my eyes. Some I can’t even imagine yet.
But He has imagined them.
He’s prepared them for me.
He’s lined up perfect gifts of grace for each footstep,
each ready for hand-delivery as I walk in range.
Will my heart be ready?
Am I preparing now for what’s to come later?
Am I studying? Am I praying?
Am I loving higher and wider and deeper?
He’s prepared a gift for me to use.
Will I be prepared to give it?
It could make a difference.
For we are his workmanship,
created in Christ Jesus for good works,
which God prepared beforehand,
that we should walk in them.
Ephesians 2:10
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Are you ready for Christmas? For 2012?
