I will never forget the events of the first meal that my wife cooked for me. My "then fiancée" took had invited me come to dinner on a particular day. I later learned that she carefully selected the groceries, and then took a half day from work in order to prepare the meal for me. Imagine her feelings when I sat down and wolfed down a plate full (and seconds) in less than ten minutes. I mean, eating is one of my favorite pastimes. I thought it was a compliment. She thought I should take my time.

Tina still takes the time to prepare her meals carefully. Near the kitchen where she is cooking is the place to be on Thanksgiving morning. The aromas are delicious. The anticipation is mouthwatering. I can’t wait to dig into the delicious food she prepares for her family.

Preparation matters. And things of importance often need much preparation.

The Bible says that God spent much of history preparing for the coming of His Son. As early as Genesis 3:15 there is the anticipation that God will do something unique for His children. Prophets like Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Micah (among others) anticipated the coming of the Messiah.

And John the Baptist came specifically to prepare things for Jesus’ coming. John was born just a few months before Jesus. And then later he would begin his preaching ministry before Jesus. All of this was in order prepare people for Jesus’ ministry. Some of John’s disciples actually became Jesus’ disciples. He prepared the way.

We still have time to prepare for Christmas. Today we will have the parade in Pembroke. There is still much cooking, decorating, and shopping to do. Don’t forget the most important thing of all. Prepare your heart to receive and obey Jesus. That is the most important preparation of all.