Being prepared is something that we all need to attend to in our lives. Our employers expect us to be prepared to successfully do our job. If you want a particular trip to go well, it behooves one to put some time in and be prepared. A common topic on the web is an EDC (Every Day Carry) bag or a “Go bag.” This is a bag that is already packed with the essentials a person would need in the case of an emergency. One can argue that this is not necessary in an urban setting, but those of us with a little conspiracy propensity in us would vehemently argue that our lives may depend on it. Of course being prepared for an emergency differs greatly based on one’s situation and locale. The emergency items one wants at the ready in Alaska in January is markedly different from Go Bag contents of say Yuma, Arizona in July. Regardless, thinking through emergency situations and being prepared for them is a wise practice condoned even by governmental agencies.

As we enter into the celebratory season of Christmas there is a great deal of talk about “getting ready” or being prepared for Christmas. Much of this revolves around what our culture has commandeered that Christmas is all about which results in ideas and offers of material items. This October, and I am talking early in the month, I was shocked to see Christmas displays at a large, local store. Maybe the rationale came from the mindset that at least Christmas cannot be cancelled because of a pandemic? I am not at all suggesting to refrain from gift giving. I think there is more received than material items with a well thought out present. We need to be thinking about others and how we can share love with them. The idea of the “gift of giving” at Christmas is not a bad idea. But how much effort, thinking, and time do we put into anticipating the celebration of Immanuel? Even though we have heard this truth hundreds of times in our life we should continue to be amazed that the Creator Himself came and saved the created beings.

What I am appealing for is the realization of the importance of Advent. The meaning of the word is “coming,” and it speaks to being prepared for the celebration of Immanuel. This is more than a tradition. The observing of Advent has moved the hearts and minds of people for over 1,500 years preparing for the realization that God has come to redeem humankind. It is even more critical in modern times to prepare and observe Advent so the plethora of distractions surrounding the remembrance of Christ’s birth will fade and the glory of Immanuel coming will codify in the hearts of people everywhere. My wife often tells me that a large percentage of the joy in special events comes from anticipation! Let us not be guilty of minimizing the anticipation of celebrating Christ’s birth at the expense of busyness and extravagance. Think through how you will observe Advent. Plan accordingly so that everyone knows we are going to spend time observing Advent together. The building anticipation will have a culminating effect in the realization of what a truly awesome event has occurred.

There are many ways to observe Advent. John Piper has a whole library of Advent poems that he wrote for his church to help prepare them for Christmas. Reading the book of Ruth and focusing on the meaning of a kinsman redeemer is a wonderful appetizer to the nativity scene. The last book of the prophets, Malachi, introduced the arrival of John the Baptizer and Jesus. It continues to prepare the way in the minds of modern readers for the coming of Jesus to earth as a baby. There are many, many books available that will help Advent become one of the most anticipated times of the year due to the realization of what, or better put, “who” is coming!

If this has not convinced you to be thoughtful and celebrate Advent, maybe this passage from Isaiah will? Look at the condition of society that this beloved Christmas prophecy was written to. Isaiah 9:2-7 – “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who dwelt in the land of deep darkness, on them has light shined. You have multiplied the nation; you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as they are glad when they divide the spoil. For the yoke of his burden and the staff for his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For every boot of the tramping warrior in battle tumult and every garment rolled in blood will be burned as fuel for the fire. For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.”

Does this not speak to the desperate, dark needs of our world? Can you  read this and not be moved that Jesus Christ is in control of this world? Does it not remind you that Jesus is reigning as the King of Kings? Let us “Be Prepared” for Christmas this year!