Getting Ready

There are two days between us and Christmas.

As far as I can tell, I'm ready for it.

Presents are purchased.  

Presents are wrapped, not well, but wrapped.

Groceries are purchased.  The house is prepared.

Bring on Christmas!

That's what may be on the minds of most of us as the big day draws near.

But wait, there's more:

Surely he took up our pain
    and bore our suffering,
yet we considered him punished by God,
    stricken by him, and afflicted.
5 But he was pierced for our transgressions,
    he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on him,    and by his wounds we are healed.  Isaiah 53: 4-5

Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel,   because he has come to his people and redeemed them. Luke 1:68

We're ready for Christmas Day and the fun that goes with it; this year let's take some time for the real reason for the season.

So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.  He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 
Luke 2: 4-5