Getting Ready For Jesus

[0:00] The 23rd of December, Getting Ready for Jesus Luke 2, 4-6, GNB Joseph went from the town of Nazareth to Bethlehem.

[0:11] Joseph went there because he was a descendant of David. He went with Mary. She was pregnant, and while they were in Bethlehem, the time came for her to have her baby. Getting ready for the birth of a baby is usually a busy and an exciting time.

[0:28] Care is taken to have everything in place so that, if all goes well, the newborn child will be welcomed home with everything ready for him or her. When we read about the preparations for the birth of Jesus, it is quite a different story.

[0:43] Although many of the usual preparations could not be in place for the baby's arrival, yet all that happened fulfilled what God had planned. Joseph did everything God asked him to do.

[0:54] The Roman authorities demanded that all the people go to their hometowns to be counted in a census, and that was why Joseph and Mary went to Bethlehem, just as the prophets had foretold. God had everything in place.

[1:08] You can read all about this in Matthew chapters 1 and 2 and in Luke chapter 2. At this time of year, I'm quite sure you are getting everything ready for Christmas Day.

[1:18] Food, presents, cards, a host of things that we have tagged on to the celebration of Christ's birth. With it all, we need to be sure not to forget the Lord Jesus.

[1:30] As it is said, He is the reason for the season. Let's put Jesus first in all the preparations. And a prayer. We thank you, O Lord, for the coming of the Lord Jesus.

[1:42] Help us to praise and honor Him. Amen. Amen. Amen.