Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife who was with child. So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
Luke 2:4-7 NKJV

A normal greeting this time of year seems to be, “Are you ready for Christmas?” This is short for have you bought all the gifts on your list? Have you done all the decorating you wanted to do? Have you cooked or at least gotten ingredients for all the food you plan to prepare? Have you made all the necessary preparations for your usual Christmas traditions?

But today as I ask you this question, I’m not referring to gifts or food or traditions. I’m talking about your heart. Is your heart ready for Christmas? Are you at peace. Have you done all you can to be at peace with those around you (Romans 12:18).

Have you given your worries over to God (Philippians 4:6) so you can have the peace that passes all understanding regardless of your circumstances (Philippians 4:7)? Have you set your mind on God and his simple, pure truth and all the goodness that He brings (Philippians 4:8)?

We love to quote what the angels told the Shepherds by saying, “Peace on earth, goodwill toward men.” But if you read versions that are simplified like ESV, HCSB they say, “Peace on earth to those with whom He is pleased, or people He favors.” Our peace is directly related to our relationship with Jesus Christ.

Have you prepared your heart for Jesus? Are you in the kind of relationship with Him that guarantees a spot for you in heaven? Have you trusted in Him and surrendered your life to Him?

When I read our Scripture passage for today, my heart goes out to Mary and Joseph. They are engaged and she is pregnant. As if that isn’t enough trouble, a decree goes out for a census. This means they must make this long journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem with Mary about to deliver at any time.

Fortunately, she didn’t deliver until they got to Bethlehem. This had been prophesied. They were not afforded the comfort of an inn or a home. We are told Jesus was laid in a feeding trough which indicates they were in a stall or stable. Tradition says Jesus was born in a cave and the trough or manger may have been cut out of a rock wall. These were not ideal conditions for delivering a baby.

Were they not prepared? That was not the case here, it all happened just as God had planned it out. This was God’s will. I just can’t imagine what was going through Joseph and Mary’s mind as they searched for a place to stay, knowing she was in labor or would be soon.

It’s easy to get all wrapped up in the Christmas preparation. There are gifts to buy, decorations to put up, food to prepare and of course we all worry that we won’t get it all done in time. Will we enter into a solid relationship with Jesus in time?

The Shepherds were startled by the angels, but they immediately went to find baby Jesus. The Wise Men sought Him following that star. They travelled from the East to find Him. They sought Him until they got to Him.

Have you found Him? Do you seek Him? Have you met Him and entered into a solid, trusting, loving relationship with Him?

James 4:8 says, “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners, and purify your hearts double-minded people!”

My friend if you have not drawn near to Jesus, there is no better time than right now. You’ll be okay if you forget a gift or a decoration or don’t get a certain food made. You will not be okay if you don’t seek Jesus.

Have a great day!