Prepare for the Birth of the Lord who comes to live in You

Book of Isaiah 9,1-6.The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; Upon those who dwelt in the land of gloom a light has shone. You have brought them abundant joy and great rejoicing, As they rejoice before you as at the harvest, as men make merry when dividing spoils. For the yoke that burdened them, the pole on their shoulder, And the rod of their taskmaster you have smashed, as on the day of Midian. For every boot that tramped in battle, every cloak rolled in blood, will be burned as fuel for flames. For a child is born to us, a son is given us; upon his shoulder dominion rests. They name him Wonder-Counselor, God-Hero, Father-Forever, Prince of Peace. His dominion is vast and forever peaceful, From David's throne, and over his kingdom, which he confirms and sustains By judgment and justice, both now and forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this!

The Lord comes to us as a child, beckoning us to come to Him. We prepare our hearts to receive Him. Is His resting place in us as it should be? Are we clean? Have we cleaned the clutter of our minds? Of our hearts? What worldly things fill the space within us set aside since the beginning of time for the Christ Child. Is it last minute shopping trips, presents for the kids, the in-laws, the spouse? Have the desperate sales of the department stores turned Christmas into a watershed day of savings? The headlines read, "The biggest savings are promised to come the day after Christmas." So Christmas becomes the day of rest before the big shopping spree. Is there anyway to preserve our spirituality and prepare ourselves for the coming of Christ?

Tonight, He comes. Born in a manger, in complete poverty. Not even does He have a place to lay His head, but his family is to spend the night with the cows, sheep, goats, and other animals so blessed to witness this special and unique birth. God comes to us in a child, vulnerable and weak. He is the Prince of Peace, the Savior of the world. Open your hearts to Him, shut out all worldly things, give every gift you can to the poor, to others. Only keep what you really need, what you really want. Give the rest away so you don't become the possession of your things. Share your abundance with those in need. Make way for the Lord.