Get Ready For Christmas

Last Fall the Young family had quite an adventure.  Because of the media attention from the “7 Day Sex Challenge,” we were invited to New York City to be on a few talk shows. The timing was great, because we were also asked to speak in London and Africa. I’m not quite sure how many miles that all adds up to, but the five of us loaded up and did it all … in the span of just two weeks!

This trip, coupled with the other daily commitments of life and of course, my battle with procrastination, all contributed to my not getting any Christmas decorations up in our house. That’s right. Not one Christmas decoration. We were planning a trip during the kids’ break from school, so I didn’t think it was that important to get it done. I figured no one would be here, so no one would be here to appreciate it. In retrospect, I figured wrong! 

In the days leading up to Christmas, things just weren’t the same in our house. Although we weren’t going to be in our home during Christmas, the whole family experienced a bit of disappointment because of the lack of decor. Well, not this year!

Rather than putting it off until later or even altogether, I have been busy unpacking those decorations. And Christmas is popping up all over the house.  This past week, I ventured into the attic and pulled a lot of boxes and bags down, so we are getting READY!




I have to ask you: are you ready? Not just for Christmas, but for something even greater. This weekend Ed shared a passage from 1 Thessalonians 4 that spoke of Jesus’ return and how we should always be ready. And I was challenged and motivated to renew my commitment to focus on the “who” of Christ’s return rather than just the when. And the challenge brought to mind several questions.  

Who am I encouraging? 
Who am I serving? 
Who am I leading into a relationship with the Savior?  

This, and much more, is all part of the being ready.  Don’t let circumstances, calendar dates or procrastination keep you from being ready for the return of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. And don’t let it stop you from celebrating all He is doing in your life today!

 

Comments

[Robin]

We are putting our stuff out this week. Every year I think I won't get going so early, but I love having it all done by the time we come back from Thanksgiving festivities. Glad I'm not the only one!

Hope you guys have a wonderful holiday season!

[Jessica cornelius]

You inspired me! We put our tree up last night.
It's such a good feeling to have it done.

[Dee]

hey Lisa, i have enjoyed your words and tomorrow i shall get the Christmas things down. please continue to pray for my son to choose his friendships wisely.

[Carol Donnelson]

Lisa, what a beautiful mantle decoration! And I love your transparency, writing this blog; I know you brought a ton of excitement with your family this year! God has worked through you to unite a lot of families for the greatest Holiday! Thank you!

[Tracy Katlein]

Lisa, your post about getting decorated for Christmas reminds me of the movie, Christmas with the Kranks! Our preparation for Christmas parallels our daily preparation for the second coming of Christ. We enthusiastically place our decorations around our homes. We should just as enthusiastically serve and encourage others to prepare for the return of Jesus Christ. Our focus on this should move us toward being "ever ready for for the ever after."

[Stephanie]

I remember you 'decorated' yourself since you didn't have any decorations up last year, loved your 'toms' boots! lol!
Will definitely be more intentional in my celebrating all He is doing in my life and 'sharing' it!

[Fabiola Arlegui]

Dear Pastor ED
I really enjoy the preaching about the end of the world last Sunday at Fellowship of Miami, it is awesome. It create the awareness of to be ready all the time, with a lot of oil Thank you was great. Blessings

[Melissa Maxson]

Wow, Lisa. I thought surely no one else had their Christmas stuff up but me. Everyone thinks I'm crazy for celebrating so early....but if I had it my way, Christmas would be year round. Nearly got my wish last year, I had my tree up for 6 months. It was fabulous! (Though my husband didn't share my enthusiasm...) Good job, Lisa. I'll celebrate early right along with ya!

[Michelle]

I'm staying ready to keep from getting ready... Even so come quickly Lord Jesus, AMEN

[Sandra West]

Your message(and Ed's this past weekend) have motivated me to make sure I am "ever ready" for Christ's return...and that the hearts of my children are being shaped daily in preparation too!! Since our home is where we come to rest and re-charge, it's only fitting that it reflect our love for the Lord and the joy He brings to us through our relationship with His son, Jesus!!

[Lori]

Wow Lisa ... I decorate early but you beat me to it! I'll catch up in the next week or so.

[Blake Kennedy]

Lisa this is a great post, and a very nice challenge. The single most important thing Ed said on Sunday that spoke to my heart, was "What are you doing in your life that is keeping you from being that SHINING LIGHT?" Has me really digging deep, and scared at the same time.

[Brandon]

Love the challenge. These are things we have been talking about in our home also. The joy it brings us to see people we invest in take steps closer to God and a deeper relationship with him. That joy helps keep us motivated.