Are You Ready?

            I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been asked in the last couple of weeks, “Are you ready for Christmas?”  What they are asking is if I have all the presents bought, wrapped and under the tree, is all my grocery shopping and baking done.
 

            But, when I close my eyes, I can hear my Lord’s voice asking “Are you ready?”  I don’t believe He is wondering about wrapped gifts and food.  He wants to know, am I ready to celebrate His Son’s birthday, no matter what.  Is my heart prepared?  Have I kept Him in my mind during the shopping trips, driving through traffic, going to shows?  If the yule log wasn’t ready, or if I couldn’t find that one particular gift, or if my loved one did not show up, would I still be ready?
 

            One of my favorite Christmas songs is “Mary, Did You Know?”  I can just hear that unmistakable voice whispering to me,
 

            “Kris, do you know, that when you’re in the traffic, I am with you too?

                                    Yes Lord, I know.

            “Kris, do you know when people get impatient, I will give you grace to handle all situations.”

                                    Yes Lord, I know.

            “Kris, do you know when you are missing loved ones, I am here to comfort you?”

                                    Yes Lord, I know.

            Kris, do you know when you are weary, I will sustain you?

                                    Yes Lord, I know.

            “Kris, do you know no matter how many sweets you eat, they can’t fill you up like the sweet love I have for you?”

                                    Yes Lord, I know.

            Kris, do you know that when the tree comes down and all the wrappings are thrown away, when those things rust and fall away, my gift to you will always be?”

                                    Oh yes Lord, I know. I thank you from the bottom of my heart and the depths of my soul.

                       

            Kris, do you know…the babe in the manger grew up into a man, died and rose again and is here for all mankind?

My gift is for all but they have to be told, everyone…young and old.

            The people need to feel my love

            Please be my hands and feet and tell them it is from above.

            Tell them I am here for them if they would but just look

            Share my words with them, give them my Book.

            Tell them the greatest gift is theirs, just believe

            All they have to do. . .just repent and receive.

            Kris, do you know…

                        Yes Lord, I know. . .I will.
 

            Oh reader. . .do you know?   Are you ready?