Have you asked your extended family, friends, and coworkers if they are ready for Christmas? I have more than once.
Perhaps people have asked you if you’re ready. They’ve asked me.
When you think about being ready for Christmas, do you think about Christmas presents, mailing cards, and stockings hanging over the fireplace? I used to think if I finished those things, I was ready.
Now I think in terms of spiritual readiness for Christmas. Is my conscience clear? Do I hold anger, bitterness, or resentment toward anyone? Do I need to sit with my journal and Bible to forgive someone?
So how did I turn from material readiness to a spiritual one? I thought about God sending his only Son to earth for the forgiveness of my sins. I accepted God’s gift and wanted to show my gratitude.
God’s Word in John 15:14 says, “You are my friends if you do what I command.”
I wanted God to include me as one of his friends. One of his commands is to forgive. He tells us that in Ephesians 4:31-32, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Will you be spiritually ready for Christmas? It’s not easy. I struggled for years to get through my list of people I needed to forgive. Without friends, coworkers, and mentors, I couldn’t have succeeded.
It’s not too late to get spiritually ready for Christmas. To help you get started, you can download the free resource, A Prayer of One Struggling to Forgive at www.yvonneortega.com/free-resources/
Merry Christmas.
Copyright © by Yvonne Ortega December 21, 2015
