Prepare - Advent Week 2

As week 2 of Advent closes out, here are some points and thoughts from this weeks Christmas Devotional. 

Preparation is a statement of faith. I can't begin to imagine exactly what Mary was feeling when she told Joseph, to whom she was not wed, that she was pregnant. And I can't imagine what Joseph's initial thoughts were to this news. They each had their own share of trials to endure as more and more people found out. Mary and Joseph didn't let that stop them. They both knew and believed in their hearts that this was real. Mary did what was best and left town and Joseph stayed with her. They both prepared for the greater mission that they were a part of. To give birth to the One that would save the world.

While none of us will be birthing baby Jesus, God still has a plan for each of our lives that line up with His will and story. Christmas is a great time to prepare our hearts and minds for what is to come. I don't just mean for the birth of Christ, but for what is ahead for each of us. This weeks devotion shared four ways to prepare.

• Eliminate distractions. Focus more on family and friends and the things that money can't buy. Don't stress over finding the perfect gift or getting agitated at the crowded stores. Simplify your life. Be still. Focus on the reason for the season....Jesus.
• Notice God's hand. Look back and make a list of all the times God has seen you through a difficult circumstance. Remember how He has provided for you even when you thought there was no way out. Believe that He will continue to work all tings for your good. 
• Discern God's will. Take time to pray and mediate on God's will for your life. It's sometimes easy to do things our own way sometimes but His ways are always greater.
• Unite in a mission. There is power when people come together for a cause. Whether it is with your family or maybe your church group, relationships can be strengthened when you work towards something together.

How will you prepare? For me it means intentionally sitting down each morning with a daily Christmas reading and beginning my day with Jesus on my mind.