There are (now 15) days left until Christmas. Did you get all of your shopping done on Black Friday or cyber Monday? Are you ready for celebrating the birth of our Lord? It seemed that the Jewish world  was anticipating the coming of Christ. The prophecies of Christ were being fulfilled and the tensions were rising. Angels appeared to the shepherds, the star appeared in the sky, and the Magi traveled with their gifts. King Herod, rather, was threatened by the coming Messiah and issued a murderous decree. Mary and Joseph had been prepared by the messages of Angels and the work of the Holy Spirit. They were ready for the coming of the King.

     Are you ready for the return of the king?  Are your hearts prepared for his appearing? Are you living a life worthy of having the Lord dewll with you? As we get ready to celebrate the birth of Christ, let us consider the Lord's return. Jesus is coming back, will our lamps be trimmed and burning? Will our homes be schools of love? Will we be found alert, awake, and alive ready to rejoice in our salvation?

Scripture says, "But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know whe the time will come. Therefore, keep watch because you do not know when the owner of the house will come back --whether in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or at dawn. If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. WHat I saw to you, I say to everyone: "Watch"" (Mark 13:32-33, 35-37). Let us rejoice and be glad. Let us anticipate his return. Let us be ready to meet him in the air. Let us cast away the works of darkness and put on the armor of light. Grace to you and peace from our Lord Jesus Christ --Bryan