So, it’s started. It’s December 1st. Preparations have begun or will soon be getting underway. Yep. We’re revving up. Getting ready for that all important Christmas day, you know the day well. Every year it rolls around. It’s the day we celebrate the birth of our Savior, you know, Jesus. Some dread that day and say AAAAHHHH!!!!! Some look forward to that day and say GLORY TO GOD IN THE HIGHEST!!!! To be honest, we probably all see-saw a bit when we think about Christmas. When we think about Christmas we can think rationally and with perspective – it’s the celebration of the birth of the Messiah, Immanuel, God With Us, that’s all that matters. But, when we think about preparing for Christmas, sometimes we just simply lose our minds.
I’m trying to figure out how to keep my wits about me this Christmas. You too? You see, I always start off with the greatest intentions. I tell myself it’s all about Jesus. Smile. It’s all about Jesus. Smile. It’s all about Jesus. Smile. Keeping up that mantra will work until, oh, I don’t know, December 5, when I look at the calendar and see that in three short weeks, Christmas will be over and I’m not ready. Then my mantra changes. Game on man! It’s all about Jesus – through gritted teeth – I’ve got to get these decorations up! It’s all about Jesus – through gritted teeth – one more party to attend! It’s all about Jesus – through gritted teeth – my shopping isn’t done! It’s all about Jesus – through gritted teeth – my house needs cleaned. It’s all about Jesus – through gritted teeth – I’ve got to get this food done! It’s all about Jesus – through gritted teeth…
Somehow, I’ve lost my way. I let my guard down. You see, the words are the same the attitude is different, and, I’m embarrassed to say it’s not at all about Jesus anymore. You too? Okay, then. Let’s figure out a way to make Christmas what it really should be about – Christ the Lord.
O Jerusalem, I have posted watchmen on your walls; they will pray to the Lord day and night for the fulfillment of his promises. Take no rest, all of you who pray. Give the Lord no rest until he makes Jerusalem the object of praise throughout the earth. Isaiah 62:6-7
Look at that. Isaiah says watch and pray.
Nevertheless we made our prayer unto our God, and set a watch against them day and night to protect ourselves. Nehemiah 4:9
Look at that. Nehemiah says watch and pray.
I will climb up into my watchtower now and wait to see what the Lord will say to me and how he will answer my complaint. Habakkuk 2:1
Look at that. Habakkuk says watch and pray.
“Son of man, I have made you a watch for the house of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me.” Ezekiel 3:17
Look at that. God told Ezekiel to watch and pray.
Sit ye here, while I shall pray…My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death; tarry ye here, and watch…Simon, sleepest though? Couldest not though watch one hour? Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak. Mark 14:32-34
Look at that. Jesus told Peter watch and pray.
Be on guard. Don’t go to sleep. Be vigilant. What are we watching for, you say? Watch for danger. Watch for temptation. Watch for the snares, traps. Those things that make you think you’ve got to have everything perfect, everything done, everything over-the-top, everything just right, every perfect gift, every perfect dinner. Watch for everything that pulls you away from Christmas.
Okay. We watch, we guard, but life is a slippery slope. Sometimes we see the train coming toward us but we just can’t seem to get off the tracks. What to do? Check out the verses again. They don’t say watch and just hang out or watch and let the train run over you. They say watch and pray! Communicate with God! Look what Jesus did in the Garden. He prayed! Simon Peter could have used a little more watching and praying that night, couldn’t he? We are absolutely no different.
The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. Proverbs 18:10
We watch and we call on the name of the Lord!
For you have been my refuge, a strong tower against the foe. Psalm 61:3
The Word of God has the answer for us during this Christmas season and every season. “Watch ye and pray.” The solution to our craziness, to our Christmas mania. Watch and pray. It’s all about Jesus. Smile.