Thanksgiving day, with all its delights of food, family, and friends, has passed and the season for preparation begins. As we prepare for the coming of the Christ Child during the season of Advent we also prepare for His coming again. His infinite love tells us He will come again and gather all those who are His to Himself to live forever with Him in His presence.
Even the death of Jesus was a preparation. He prepared to go to the Father who loved the world so much that He sent His son to us. And at that time of preparation Christ's thoughts and prayers were for His children. Listen to the prayer He prayed to God the Father on behalf of those He loved most---us.
"My prayer is not for the world, but for those you have given me, because they belong to you. All who are mine belong to you, and you have given them to me, so they bring me glory. Now I am departing from the world; they are staying in this world, but I am coming to you. Holy Father, you have given me your name, now protect them by the power of your name so that they will be united just as we are." John 17:9-11 NLT
"Now I am coming to you. I told them many things while I was with them in this world so they would be filled with my joy. I have given them your word. And the world hates them because they do not belong to the world, just as I do not belong to the world. I'm not asking you to take them out of the world, but to keep them safe from the evil one. John 17:13-15 NLT
"I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one---as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me...May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent me and that you love them as much as you love me. Father, I want these whom you have given me to be with me where I am. Then they can see all the glory you gave me because you loved me even before the world began." John 17:20-21, 23-24 NLT
Jesus Christ has prayed for us and prepared us to receive His love and to give His love. I pray this Advent season will be one of preparation for us all---preparing our hearts to show Jesus how much we love Him and the people He loves so much.
To God be the Glory! Amen.
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