The holiday season is filled with preparation in many ways.  We often have a million things to do to get ready, but what are we preparing for?  If we look at the original story of the coming of Jesus, His people had been waiting for a couple thousand years for the promised Messiah.  After that long, many had strayed away from the covenant God had made with them when man first fell into sin.

He came in a way not expected.  He wasn’t the mighty warrior they wanted.  He wasn’t wealthy beyond all measure.  He didn’t come to make their road easier – in fact, following Jesus would require great sacrifice and struggle.

His birth occurred in a place filled with animals, germs, dirt and grime.  His life was that of a lowly carpenter who lived in deep poverty.  He had no special education or training for His role as King, but He inherited the wisdom of His Heavenly Father was there at the beginning of creation.  His life ended in a most horrific way, but He conquered death and sin by returning to life a few days later.

Jesus is coming back again.  We don’t know the hour or day, but He has promised to return.  All signs point to the fact that it will be soon, but Jesus also promised that we will be surprised by His return.  He will come as a thief in the night – totally unexpected – but He will be back.

We need to be ready for Him.  We must be on guard and prepared.  The only way to do that is to take His hand and follow Him, study the Word He has written for us, trust in His promises, and believe that He has already completed the work He intended to do.  Don’t be unprepared.  Arm yourself for His second coming.