MY TURN: Preparation for Christmas

December arrives. We may wonder what our family can do this year for Christmas. Time flies by. Usually planning and preparation falls on the lady of the house — on Momma, a reminder that she can always use helping hands.

On some years, families may be hindered by work schedules, sudden illnesses, unexpected expenses, or by family quarrels or grudges. Momma may be able to come to the rescue and try to console her family and plan a family gathering. But, “lo, the days are has-t’ing on,”and Christmas week can arrive and there are no plans nor preparation for a Merry Christmas for the household.

Sincere Christians can “lay up treasures in Heaven” by offering to help others at such times and lightening the load for some family members or relatives. Researchers have proven that helping others creates happier people, and of course a happier country.

First and foremost should be the preparation of our hearts. Long time Christians may neglect care for their soul and fellowship time with the Lord. When first coming to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ for personal salvation, our hearts are warm and and loving. But life’s challenges can harden our feelings toward others and we may find ourselves estranged from the Lord and others.

Such was the case for Little Heidi’s grandfather, portrayed in Shirley Temple’s childhood classic movie. “Heidi.” He had become an old embittered man harboring all his past sorrows which turned him into a miserable unhappy soul It wasn’t until a kindly young pastor hiked up to the grandfather’s isolated cabin in the Alps and encouraged him to come back to the arms of Christ and forgive and be forgiven. The whole village rejoiced as little Heidi led her grandfather down the mountain to the little church for the morning service. He came back to his tender Saviour’s open arms and renewed his walk with God and man. The whole village rejoiced. This can happen in the life of Christians today.

Early in the history of the nation of Israel, God ordained seven feast days or convocation weeks to be celebrated throughout the year. Beginning at Passover in the spring, Israel carefully observed each feast according to divine instructions. By Autumn, three major Holy observations remained… Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year; Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement; and Sukkot, or the feast of tabernacles.

The most important feast of the year was the Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur, in which the High Priest went into the Holy of Holies part of the tabernacle or temple to offer sacrifices for forgiveness of the entire nation’s sins for the whole year. What joy came to the nation when God granted them forgiveness.

Extensive preparations were required. but specifically, a personal time and reflection was done by each citizen Their “heart condition” before the Lord and others was personally examined. Each person was required to stay home and stay quiet on that day, contemplating events and experience of the past year.

Israel was actually commanded by God to afflict or humble their souls, realizing the seriousness of sin before the Holy God. This later became an admonition for all of us, to confess and forsake our sins (Prov. 28:13. I John 1:9, II Corinthians 7:9-11)

Christ Jesus instituted Holy Communion, regularly observed by Christians, and to be preceded by a personal examination of one’s own soul (I Corinthians 11:27-34). We are urged to make things right with those we have offended before bringing our offerings to God (Matt 5:23-24).

Communion helps us maintain a close walk with the Lord and close fellowship with others. God set up these observances because He loves us and knows sin only.causes misery, pain, and broken families. God wants His people to

enjoy a clean peaceful life, abiding In Christ and growing in grace (John 15 and II Peter 3:18), and maintaining happy homes.

What does this discussion of sin have to do with my Christmas preparations? Everything. For we may have the best food, decorations and gifts, but if we have a hard, heart full of sinful attitudes and deeds, it will be hard to have a Merry Christmas full of happy days of peace and goodwill, with thanksgiving and praise to the Lord for His love, grace and mercy in our lives.

Christians who prepare their hearts before the Love ord at the beginning of the holidays will have a more enriching life, sweeter family relationships, the formation of longstanding childhood memories for the little ones, and comfort for the elderly and sick. Such love and joy is an example to the unbelieving world of the power of the transforming work of Christ our Saviour in the human heart

Reach out to the sad and lonely, help Momma, give to charity, spend extra time with the children, attend church,

read and discuss the blessed Christmas story in Luke 1 and 2, and share it with the lost.

Even if we start late, remember Scrooge in Charles Dickens’s “The Christmas Carol.” He saw the light at the eleventh hour, but he made it and had the most wonderful Christmas of his life! As Chris Rice once sang, “Go Light the World.” Many may be saved this year.

May you each have a blessed Christmas season and God bless you

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Twila Celestino Little is a Coeur d'Alene resident.