I was a kid the first time I heard Bill Monroe’s classic bluegrass Christmas song “Christmas Time’s A-Comin’” on the radio. The song caught my attention and has remained one of my favorites. It reminds me of Christmas in the mountains, where new-fallen snow and Christmas lights take on a unique beauty.

Tomorrow the calendar turns another page and it will be December. Another 25 days and it will be Christmas. Like the song says, “Christmas Time’s A-Comin’.

We spend a lot of time getting ready for Christmas. Between all the decorating, buying gifts, attending parties, cooking, and watching Christmas movies most of us are busier than we’d like to be. When we slow down enough to think, we wish we had more time to just be with family and to celebrate Jesus – the true reason for Christmas.

Here’s a thought. Since today is the last day of November, take a few moments to put on your December calendar some appointments for family and Jesus. Just like you put parties and travel plans on your calendar, schedule time to worship or read the Bible or pray or serve in one of our ministries. Like everything else in life, if we put it on the calendar we’re more likely to actually do it. Decide today how you will honor Jesus on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

I’m having to rethink my Christmas calendar this year. Monieca will spend Christmas in Germany and Italy with our daughter, Jacqueline, while she recovers from her cancer surgery. It will be the first Christmas since we began dating in 1981 that we’ve not been together at Christmas. Obviously the plans we previously made for this December have changed. Like I said…I’m rethinking the calendar.

As you look at your calendar for December, ask yourself if you’ve scheduled any time for the Messiah. You may need to rethink some of your plans so you can make more time for Him. If you don’t have a plan, you may benefit from developing one.

Christmas time is coming and it is my wish for you that this will be the most spiritually meaningful Christmas you’ve ever celebrated.

Pastor Steve Hogg