The children are bundled in their warmest clothes. Mom has filled the thermos with hot chocolate. Dad has warmed up the car and it’s off to the tree farm. When they arrive, everyone sprints out in wild anticipation. All of them searching for the perfect tree. Dad removes the axe from the trunk and off they go. Icicles begin to attach themselves to mom’s nose hairs and dad’s beard. One of the children is having difficulty walking with all the extra weight of her snowsuit. The other two scurry around looking for this year’s Christmas tree with the rest following. The air is filled with a heavy mist. New fallen snow makes tough to get to their destination. It looks as though every tree has already been decorated. God’s special paintbrush has created a winter wonderland. Dad’s artistic eye spans the glowing evergreens. He won’t cut down just any old tree. Finally, the waiting is over. There it is in the middle of the forest. Waiting – just for them.

Does this scenario sound familiar? It is a true story of the many Christmases past in our family’s history. Eventually the tree cutting was replaced by an artificial one, but the smells of fresh evergreen has now been replaced by scented candles. There’s nothing like the real thing.

As I think about this yearly tradition or should I say, adventure, I can remember all the preparations that seemed so necessary at the time. With each passing year, I’ve grown to realize that what was really important about our search for a Christmas tree, was that we did it as a family. Even though feet were cold. mittens wet, and cheeks red, we persisted with that plan.

Are you ready for the coming of Christmas? There are many out there that feel this is a time to show off with a spectacular light display in your front yard – a time to spend more than you have – to have the best tree and ornaments and the most presents under that tree. Remembering that Jesus came the first time to live with us and experience all that the human race deals with. He lived in poverty. He faced a skeptical crowd. He performed miracles. He was the promised Messiah, but no one recognized Him. They had waited so long.

We now wait for His return. Will we recognize Him? Will we be ready? Will we have made the necessary preparations? He completed His Father’s mission for His coming. He overcame the devil and gave humanity a second chance at Heaven. He did this without hesitation. The plan that God ordained was set in motion. When Jesus returns, He will come in majesty. Are you ready for the King of Kings?