It is part of the culture in traditional churches to have a prelude or build-up of weeks before feasts like Easter, Pentecost, Ascension Day, and Christmas, to prepare people’s hearts for the celebrating of that particular event. When Jesus was born, kings (magi, or mighty men) from the East came, to bring gifts and bow before- and worship The King, totally ignoring the Israeli king of the time. Because of their diligent seeking (or preparation), they received divine revelation of the King that had been born. We need to, in preparation to celebrate the birth of our Saviour, humble ourselves in diligently seeking to get to know him better, and get a greater revelation of the power outflowing from out of his whole life. This diligent search for him, done in faith and truth, is pleasing (like a gift) unto him, and the result is his blessing upon us. May we discover, as we prepare for Christmas, a fresh understanding of the eternal rule and reign of Jesus and submit to his kingship and worship him as such. May we, as we prepare our hearts, come to a place where we receive him afresh, believing in him, understanding the power and authority that He has given us to be Sons of God. Let us not get lost in the trappings of Christmas, but find a way to seek Jesus, thereby honouring him. Let us share his true identity with others. Let us surrender our fears, frustration and failures and trust in the King who offers eternal peace and hope. The fact that God first announced through angels the glorious message of the birth of Christ to lowly shepherds, reveals his character, that being to reveal himself to the humble and lowly of spirit. The meek will inherit the earth and the hungry are filled. The poor in spirit receive things that those who are self-sufficient do not. In our preparation we need to re-visit humility in simplicity and surrender, because that is a prelude to worship. The description which Isaiah gave about who Jesus is, explains that He is sufficient to cover every situation which we could face, since He is wonderful, councillor, mighty God, everlasting Father and Prince of Peace. We need to remember at the time of the festivities around Christmas, that the Kingdom is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Peace and joy are an automatic outflow of being right with God. Let us prepare ourselves spiritually, relationally, missionally, and commit ourselves to serve others practically.
