“I’m ready for Christmas!”

I’ve heard that frequently of late. I’ve said it, too. My wife Darla and I have planned ahead, put up the tree and the lights, bought the presents, wrapped them and put them under the tree. Tonight we’ll attend Christmas Eve services at our church. Tomorrow we’ll gather with family for a wonderful meal.

But are we really ready?

Are you?

Usually people say they’re ready for the holidays with a sigh of relief as if a burden has been lifted. Ironic, isn’t it?

Is it possible we can be prepared for Christmas, or whatever Holiday you celebrate, but not be truly ready? Let me suggest that preparations are about what’s going on around us but that being ready is about what’s going on inside us. Preparations are a function of activities, but being ready is a function of attitude.

Are we ready to remember why we’re going through the motions, and if we are Christians, to put the birth of Christ front and center?

Are we ready and willing to live a little differently and better because we’ve remembered correctly what Christmas is about?

Are we ready to give up the self-absorption that so easily traps us, and think about other: those less fortunate, those in danger, those absent from us?

Are we ready to be truly thankful or simply relieved?

Are we ready to forgive slights and injustices that rob us of joy?

Are we ready to make time to be truly in the moment instead of projecting ahead how we’ll clean up the house after opening presents and whether we’re truly ready for the New Year’s Eve party?

It is far easier to be prepared than truly ready. Having everything “done” doesn’t mean we are truly ready.

I hope for you that we are both prepared and ready for this wonderful season of celebration, and the day that is Christmas.

Today, tomorrow and always I wish you joy.

I just came from Amazon where I was reading the comments around a new book I’m considering reading. In the running commentary several armchair theologians started sniping about Billy Graham and his ministry. Rev. Graham is one of the most respected people on the planet; even many who don’t agree with his beliefs respect and appreciate his integrity. I don’t know of anyone presently living who has made a more positive impact for Christ than Billy Graham. And yet–no surprise–there are those who criticize, demean and attack (none of whom likely have much if anything to show for their contributions to society).

It seems to me we have a category of critics who believe in good works as long as they are the “right” good works done “the right way” as determined by–who else?–themselves. It must be tough to be the human responsible for defining standards for the other 6 billion of us.

I’m not going abstract or deeply theological here, but I do think “roots” and “fruits” are both important. What ones does and why one does it are both important. However, if I’ve learned anything from mentors wiser and far more Godly than me, it is the importance of acknowledging the good in others, in spite of imperfection. (And believe me, I’m right there with the apostle Paul when it comes to the “chief of sinners” description he used to describe his nature.)

So what’s the homework assignment for the Holidays? Try for the next week to focus on the good that others do, even if you disagree with them. Whether the differences are political, theological, philosophical or practical, give attention to what’s good and right versus bad and wrong.

Of course this is should apply to people you like and love. Few of us ever over do it when it comes to recognizing, acknowledging and appreciating the good things family, friends and coworkers do.

I know I can’t silence the snipers and I’m not trying. (By the way, next time somebody takes a shot at you remember the criticism that even Billy Graham puts up with. It helps keep things in perspective.) I can encourage the thinking, feeling folks in my sphere of influence by reminding them and myself of the incredible good that gets ignored or swept under the carpet.

The world will be a little warmer and much less harsh if we do our homework and focus on the good in and done by others.