God of love, hope, grace and peace – Day 18

Again and again, we read in the Bible of a certain time that has come or a certain time that passed. This presupposes that time elapsed before the particular time in question. Ecclesiastes 3 repeatedly reminds us that there is a time for everything. And now, we are in the time before Christmas. German theologian Jörg Zink wrote about how important it is to have a set time to wait. He says that people spoil special occasions because they no longer wait for them and, therefore, do not prepare for them. You probably still remember how anxiously you waited for Christmas as a child, how you eagerly counted the days. This tension of anticipation is essential. It prepares your heart and mind before the joyous celebration. John van den Berg describes it so well. He says that happiness is a state of the heart, but that the heart must be prepared for it, like a reed that is carved out with a knife, before it can bring forth music.

Everything indeed has its time – now is the time to prepare ourselves internally and externally for this happy celebration. Prepare yourself internally by spending more time in God’s word and other meaningful literature, through diligent prayer and the beauty of uplifting spiritual music. Tangible reminders (e.g. wreaths, candles, books, art and advent scenes) of the upcoming celebration can be placed in your home to encourage you and your family, as well as friends and visitors, to embrace the true spirit of Christmas. For we have great cause for celebration! A child was born, more than 2 000 years ago, who brought us salvation.