The most wonderful event in human history was the birth of Jesus some 2000 years ago. Jesus was clearly the most significant person in the annals of human existence. The calendar is literally cut in half around his life. The most read book in all literature is the Bible and the most profound movement in the human race has been Christianity. It seems that God has left clear markers for us to see His reality.

     Even if you are not Christian. God has plainly revealed Himself in the beauty of nature; the amazingly fragile bubble of life, and the incredible talents granted to human beings.  Life is full of giftedness & goodness for those who are looking and willing to see.

     And so Christmas, (whether our secular world wants to admit it or not) was initiated by the birth of something wonderful into our realm of existence, from God.

     Yet, before this blessed event occurred there were events leading up to it. The Bible tells us that “in the fullness of time, God sent His son.” This awesome event of the coming of Jesus that is the origination of Christmas was itself preceded by expectancy. The Jewish world was looking for a Savior. Angels announced. A star guided. Wise men came & Joy entered our world in the form of a child.

     It is this day before that I write about. ….  There was a desperate need in human society for the influence of Jesus. The world was moaning for a Savior. There was this deep yearning in the hearts of men & women for a new hope. And among some, there was a joyous anticipation. An anxious knowing that God had heard the cries of mankind and was going to bring us a special gift.  “Glad tidings of great joy that shall be to all the people.”

     The Biblical account does not tell us a great deal about Jesus childhood; the days after His birth. But there is a lot of attention in the gospels given to the events leading up to His birth.

     So I think there is something important for us to recognize about this day before Christmas. What should our hearts be like on the eve of something special?

     Firstly, our hearts should be full of pregnant faith towards God; believing that He will indeed do something special. Before a seed sprouts; it is first planted. And planting the seeds of faith in our heart grants God the room to do something special for us and in us.

     Secondly, our hearts should be full of preparation. Holiness can not come where bitterness, resentment and evil are cultivated. We need to use the eve of something wonderful, as a time of purging and cleansing. We clean house to make room for the Son of God before He comes. This is a necessary task on the eve of  Christmas, if we are to receive its full blessing. More than that it is a daily assignment, to keep our heart clear of pollutants. Unclean thoughts and habits diminish room; room we need cleared and ready; room we need to have prepared in expectancy for our miracles to come in.

     Thirdly, our hearts should be full of giving. When the wise men came with presents for the child; they were not obtained 5 minutes before at Wal-Mart. They purposed and planned to give, before they came with their presents. GET OUT OF YOUR MATERIAL THINKING FOR A MINUTE!  I am not talking about you doing your shopping early. I am trying to coax you into realizing that giving should be more than a once a year event.  It is important, Not only to open your heart to Giving, because the day after is Christmas. We need to Open our heart to Giving, because everyday can be the eve of something special.

          This period of expectancy is crucial to our receiving God’s promises. It gives us time to prepare our hearts. It causes in us a hunger for something true, real and genuine from God.

     I believe that God literally speaks to people who seek Him earnestly. So this eve of Christmas can be the eve of God literally doing something new and wonderful  in your life. After all, it is a season of miracles! 

       I pray that this day is for you: The Eve of Something Special.