Go through, go through the gates, prepare the way for the people; build up, build up the highway, clear it of stones, lift up an ensign over the peoples. The LORD has proclaimed to the end of the earth: Say to daughter Zion, “See, your salvation comes; his reward is with him, and his recompense before him.” They shall be called, “The Holy People, The Redeemed of the LORD”; and you shall be called, “Sought Out, A City Not Forsaken.”
Following the defeat of the Babylonian Empire by the Persians in 538 BC, Cyrus the Great freed the Israelites from the captivity brought about by King Nebuchadnezzar. This scripture instructs them to pass through the gates of Babylon, return home and restore Zion to its rightful glory. All interfering difficulties were to be removed: the road to Jerusalem (about 900 miles long) was to be made safe, and the temple, the city walls and the rest of the city were to be rebuilt. What a job! However, all of this was in anticipation for the promised arrival of the Messiah, the “Savior” promised by God in verse 11. Though they didn’t know it at the time, they had over 540 years to prepare for Christ’s birth. Today we try to cram everything into less than a month.
Isn’t life wonderful when we have something amazing planned, and we are looking forward to it? Even if we have much to organize and coordinate, if we are truly excited about our upcoming event, the implementation of our plans can be enjoyable. However, many of us spend the time before Christmas stressing about all we have to do. There is no fun or excitement involved. One year my father even “cancelled” Christmas because of the amount anxiety my mom was experiencing! We are so worried about not disappointing others that we end up disappointing God. All God wants, I believe, is for us to be joyful because he sent Christ to live among us. We only need to prepare our hearts to welcome Jesus!
Acknowledge the true purpose of our Christmas celebration. As trite as it may be, remember that “Jesus is the reason for the season.” Try to keep this important point in mind when you get bogged down by complexities. I suggest that you examine your plans and see if you can simplify, or even eliminate, anything. I remember the first year we decided to NOT have “the big meal” at Jim’s sister’s home on Christmas Eve. We ordered take-out pizza and wings, and we started a new holiday tradition. Since our close relatives are spread miles apart, one year visiting everyone became so confusing that Jim and I just went to Key West for a week. Now we don’t try to see everyone every year. Recently, I started sending Christmas cards to only those I won’t see in person or on Facebook. And guess what? All is fine.
This scripture forecasts a lot of work to be done, but it also predicts glorious times in the future. Jesus is coming! He is our salvation! Let us be joyful and celebrate!
Written by Merle Henry, who has served as elder, deacon and HPW moderator at Heritage.
She is passionate about our music program, works in our Clothing Closet and enjoys studying the Bible.
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