The headline in today’s paper spoke of the expectation of a huge shopping day, on this day before Christmas.  Did these people not know that Christmas was coming?  If not, I can tell them that it will happen next year, at this same time, Lord willing.

Lest I sound more pious than I am, I must confess that I am notorious for cutting it pretty close myself, but I try not to cut it quite that close.  The whole thing turns my thoughts to the way our human nature works.  We tend to have this mentality that says, “Never do today what you can put off until tomorrow.”  Can’t you imagine the rush at the door of the ark, in Noah’s day, when it began to rain, and the waters began to rise?

If the thief, who was crucified beside Jesus, could turn to God in repentance and faith in that late hour of his life, I have no doubt that others can, also, but those who go that route miss the joy of walking by faith in this life.

I have done Christmas shopping both ways: last minute and with some time to spare.  I can tell you, it’s a whole different stress level when you know that you are prepared for it.  It is beyond the power of my vocabulary to express the peace and joy in knowing that heaven is secure, and Jesus is Lord of my today.