Ready for Christmas?

Christmas is just one day away.  Where did the time go?  Wasn't it just the 4th of July?  No matter how much I plan or how hard I try, Christmas always sneaks up on me.  This year is no exception.

Sadly, I am not ready for Christmas.  I'm not talking about decorations and gifts.  I am talking about being prepared in my heart.  I think about how much I have put my agenda before God's this Christmas season and I am saddened.  I have squandered time that could have been used to serve Him, learn about Him, and just simply hang out with Him.  I have been more concerned with my needs than those around me and I have been more focused on things that don't last instead of what's most important.

The only thing I can offer the Lord is a broken and contrite heart.  (Psalm 51:17).  I come to Him in humility and pray that in the time remaining leading up to Christmas He would prepare my heart.  I pray for some time alone with Him away from the hustle and bustle to hear His voice and reflect on the significance of why He came to Earth as a baby in a manger.