Advent Devotion 17

Preparing For Company

By Gail Tucker

Matthew 3:1-3In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea and saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near."  This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: "A voice of one calling in the desert, prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him."  (NIV)

The word "Advent" means coming in Latin and we spend this time of the year reflecting on the coming of Jesus into the world and the coming of Jesus into our lives. To truly experience Advent, preparation of our hearts and minds is needed.

This joyous season of the year often includes the coming of friends and family into our homes. That type of "coming" requires a different type of preparation.

For me, my thoughts turn to cleaning, decorating the house and preparing food. My least favorite of those three things is cleaning. While I had a friend years ago that talked about how she had a system of cleaning a room or two each week resulting in an always clean house and never being overwhelmed. I must confess, I have no such system!

I wait until "my days are numbered" and begin the cleaning tasks. Of course, it doesn't all get done and then there is the frantic "stuffing" of items in places where they won't be seen! (No, I won't tell you where!) But that technique means when the company leaves, the items have to be retrieved and dealt with again.

My cleaning technique is not unlike the way we deal (or don't deal) with spiritual issues that could produce growth and more Christ-like qualities.   It takes some preparation for the Lord to come into our lives and homes.  John proposed repentance or cleaning up/turning away from messes in our lives.  As we hustle about to prepare our homes for guests, let us remember who the most special guest of this season truly is and make preparations for His coming.

Dear Lord, help us to be prepared for your coming.  Amen.