Preparation

Read Amos 4:1-13

Amos is talking about preparing to meet the Lord.  He thinks that means being ready to be held accountable for actions and/or behaviors.  We don't usually think that way in our preparations for Christmas.

Preparation- well, the house has to be cleaned, find the decorations, put up the tree, decorate the mantle, shop for gifts, wrap gifts, mail gifts, worry about gifts, plan the worship, plan the Session party, don't forget the staff lunch, preparation, preparation and we just keep hoping it will all be over soon.

The funeral home just called to say one of our members died.  I guess she doesn't have to prepare for Christmas.  But then Amos says, Prepare to meet your God.  I guess her preparations are over but they still matter.

We are better at preparing for a nice, sweet baby who teaches us to share than we are preparing for the second coming of Christ who will judge.  Advent doesn't call us to fear judgment, but to prepare so that we are free to serve and free to love.

Are you ready for Christmas?  Are you prepared to meet your God?  What remains on that to-do list?