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Monday, December 8

Psalm 21; Isaiah 24:1-16a; 1 Thessalonians 4:1-12

This year, my parents celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary鈥攁 remarkable milestone in any couple鈥檚 life. In today鈥檚 world, it is rare to see two people reach such a mark, and I know my parents are deeply grateful for the many years they have shared, walking together through both joys and hardships. Few can say they have, or ever will, celebrate 50 years of marriage.

As I think about the Christmas season, I find myself reflecting on the years gone by鈥攐n all that I have accomplished, the mistakes I have made, the struggles I have faced, and the heartache I have endured. I don鈥檛 dwell on these moments, but I allow them to remind me to look ahead with gratitude, trusting that even greater things are yet to come.

In Psalm 21, King David also looked back in gratitude at all the Lord had provided him: the desires of his heart, rich blessings, a crown of pure gold, long life, splendor and majesty, eternal blessings, and gladness in God鈥檚 presence. In response, David lifted songs of praise, trusting that the Lord would bring restoration and victory over his enemies. He also recognized that people would sin and plot against the Lord, but he knew their plans would ultimately fail.

Similarly, in Isaiah 24, we see God鈥檚 judgment proclaimed against the wickedness of the earth. Yet even in the midst of sin and corruption in our world today, we find reason for hope. Christmas reminds us that joy and peace have come through God鈥檚 promised Son, Jesus Christ鈥攖he One who redeems, restores, and reigns forever.

As we look forward to Christmas, many of us prepare our homes鈥攃leaning, decorating, cooking, arranging guest lists, and shopping for gifts. Every year that my parents have hosted Christmas, it has been a special time. They make their home warm and inviting with festive d茅cor, and when the grandkids arrive, their eyes light up at the sight of a tree full of wrapped gifts. We see the glow of the lights, stockings hung on the mantle, and a table filled with comforting food鈥攆rom the turkey to my mom鈥檚 broccoli casserole that is oh so good! None of this happens overnight; it takes time, planning, and effort to create such an inviting atmosphere that puts us in the Christmas spirit.

In the same way, preparing our hearts for Christ鈥檚 return takes intentional effort. Paul reminds us in 1 Thessalonians 4:1鈥�12 that living in readiness means walking in a way that pleases God鈥攁voiding sin, pursuing holiness, loving one another, and living quietly and faithfully. Just as my parents鈥� home is made ready for Christmas, we too must ready our lives for the coming King. This season is not only about decorated trees and delicious meals, it is about preparing room in our hearts for the Savior who has come, and who will come again.

So, the question I raise鈥攖o myself and to all of us鈥攊s this: Are we ready for His return? Have we made room in our lives for the coming King?


Stacy Simmons
Associate Minister to the University for Pastoral Care