Christmas Bells

Christmas preparations are well underway at the Sherrod house. Lights are being hung. The tree is being decorated. Cookies are being baked. Cards are being sent. Presents are being wrapped.

But in the midst of it all I am reminded how Anna (the prophetess) prepared for the first coming of Jesus. The writer Luke records that in anticipation for this grand event, she "never left the temple but worshipped night and day, fasting and praying" (Luke 2:37).

Anna's actions remind us that there is a spiritual side to Christmas. Physically we can strive to be perfectly prepared for Christmas, but that same amount of effort and more needs to be directed towards our souls. After all, Christmas isn't really about outward "celebration" — it's about inward salvation.

So this Christmas let's remember that our souls need some attention, too! Like Anna, let's take advantage of every opportunity we have for worship. Let's consciously deny ourselves some of the physical pleasures of the Season and focus more on spiritual matters. And let's put as much into our prayers as we do everything else.