I love to prepare for celebratory events such as Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Birthdays. Don't you? The gifts, the food, the decorations, and the glow on my guests cheerful faces brings me great delight. I believe human excitement over preparations stems from God's joy in preparing a way to bring mankind back to Himself after the fall of Adam and Eve. That plan centered around His perfect son, beginning with Jesus Christ's birth as a human baby boy. The Bible books of Isaiah, Matthew, and Luke record God's preparations and Jesus' birth story.
Like with all human events, there were many details surrounding Jesus Christ's entrance on Earth. God didn't choose just any human man to be an earthly father to His son, but rather one that was from the "house and line of [King] David" (Luke 2:4). Likewise, a virgin woman by the name of Mary was chosen to be Jesus' earthly mother. After receiving the news from an angel, Mary prepared her heart, mind, and body for her divine task and then she gave birth to baby Jesus at the appointed hour. Earthly relatives, shepherds, barn animals, wise men, and even a star joyfully prepared for Jesus Christ's arrival.
As with some Earthly events, though, there were a few party spoilers related to Christ's birth. The innkeeper and King Herod are the famous ones. Their hearts prepared for Jesus Christ's entrance, but not in a welcoming way. King Herod, especially, symbolizes the bigger picture of humanity's innate sin and struggle for independence apart from God.
Of course, the Lord knew from the Creation of Earth what evil would quickly befall humanity. So, He prepared a plan for the salvation of mankind that included Jesus Christ's humble birth, holy life, horrible death, and heavenly resurrection. A just and perfect Christ died for an imperfect world. Then He rose again on the third day to conquer all sin and death.
The best news is that God is not done planning! For believers in Jesus Christ, there is eternal reconciliation and rest with God in Heaven. In John 14:2-3 Jesus states, "In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also."
To be saved from all sin and eternal separation from God, humans must individually admit their sin, believe, and confess Jesus Christ is the Messiah. Taking part in God's salvation plan can happen today. There's no better time to "prepare Him room" than Christmas Day when celebration is focused on the beginning of God's salvation plan... the Earthly birth and life of Jesus Christ.
John 3:16-17:
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved."
