Six Days 'Til Christmas

It is December 19th, 5:35 a.m. - six days before Christmas.  Six days.  Six days for me to prepare for that day.  I can't help wondering what Mary was doing six days before the event that would change the world for all time. She was a vital part of that miraculous day.  She had no idea what was in store.  She did not know that angels were waiting to announce the birth of her Baby...that unknowing shepherds were to be a part of that night...or that all of this would take place away from her home, in a stable.
This humble birth would bring forth a King for all time. He was not elected and will never lose dominion.  She had no idea that perfect peace, faith, grace, mercy, forgiveness, and redemption would take on a new perspective - by the Author of peace, faith, grace, mercy, forgiveness, and redemption.
A Baby wrapped in cloth, lying in a manger and celebrated by angels.  A Savior.  People were looking for a Savior.  They had been told of His coming for hundreds of years...and hundreds of years later, man still needs this Savior, most desperately.  Those that do not know Him need Him.  Those that know Him need Him.  He sustains, redeems, makes intercession, gives peace and purpose to life, forgives.  He is the Source of all goodness and it is unending.  
Do not get lost in holiday madness.  Do not scream about the fact that the true meaning of Christmas is absent, invisible in much of the world around you...when you have not stopped to worship the One in the manger.  Stop now.  Celebrate His birth...with personal intent and devotion.  Run to the manger as the shepherds did...with eagerness, determination, and anticipation.  Stay and worship Him.  He reigns forever. He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords.  
Six days beforehand, Mary may not have known everywhere this simple birth would lead...but she did know that her Baby would save...and that she was to name Him "Jesus."  One day, all will bow before that name.  Let's begin now.

Merry Christmas!