For those of us who watch television either for relaxation, information, amusement or simply to “tune out” from a busy day will have noticed that many shows seem to be winding up. It seems that it has been a busy year and presenters, actors and others are in need of a break. Thank heavens for Daylight Saving – now we can all get up and go for a walk!!
However, the idea of “winding down” for those who believe in Jesus Christ might seem a bit foreign because it seems to me that you and I actually “pick up the pace” of our faith as we prepare for the birth of our Saviour.
You certainly don’t need me to tell you that shopping centres began preparing in October – some stores had tinsel, wrapping paper and cards on display – almost as if they all wanted to be first for your dollars.
The Lord, our God also had His own way of preparing the world for the birth of His Son. The nation of Israel were given the prophets to prepare them for the coming of the Messiah yet somehow the message wasn’t received by all people. Then there was some 400 years between the prophet Malachi and the birth of Jesus and still God needed to send John the Baptist to prepare the way – and again, some heeded the message while others didn’t.
Am I “preaching to the converted” as the saying goes? Of course if I am then I can safely assume that the razzle dazzle of December hasn’t grabbed hold of you.
Or, perhaps there might be some more preparation to be done for each of us?
How do you approach this time of the year? Do you long to be able to wind down or do you pick up the pace of our faith?
Let me encourage you to reflect on the words found in Mark 1:1-4 as you and I prepare the way for the Lord.
Pastor Vince.