Church Pastor

WATERLOO ROAD CHURCH

Peter Lillystone, Pastor of Waterloo Road Church :

I noticed a pop up advert on the internet counting down the time to Christmas Day.

I didn’t pay much attention to how many days, hours, minutes and seconds were left, as I knew Christmas is still a few weeks away. Reaction to such a countdown depends on how prepared we like to be.

Some people begin preparing for Christmas in January! Buying Christmas cards and decorations in the post Christmas sales. Taking the chance to snap up some bargains as stores reduce the prices to free up space in their storerooms.

I know someone who starts buying her Christmas presents in April. She is constantly on the look out for gifts which would be suitable for her children and grandchildren.

In general, ladies begin their preparation for Christmas much earlier than men. Most men don’t even begin to think about Christmas and presents until a few days before Christmas. I remember being in the shops one Christmas Eve (doing my shopping!) and most of the shoppers were men!

I wonder when God began preparing for Christmas? Was it a last minute decision or did he plan things well in advance? The Bible talks about God making his plans before He even created the world. That’s amazing!

From God’s perspective, Christmas is all about Jesus coming to earth in order to become the Saviour of the World. Remember what the angel said "You shall call his name Jesus, for he shall save his people from their sins".

Hundreds of years before Jesus was born, details of his birth, life, death and resurrection were foretold by the Old Testament prophets. It is clear that Christmas was no last minute decision; it was all in the plan of God.

How are you going to prepare for Christmas this year? I’m not talking about turkeys, tinsel or treats. I’m talking about being ready to receive the greatest gift that you could ever receive. God sent his only son Jesus for you. In the words of the carol, "let every heart prepare him room ".

Will you make room for Jesus? Will you receive Jesus into your heart?

This is one way of making sure that this Christmas will be a happy Christmas.

May God bless you and your family this Christmas.

To contact me please telephone the church office 01895 257663 or email me at peterlillystone@waterlooroadchurch.org.uk