Religion: A Pastor Ponders

Prepare To Meet Thy God!

by Pastor William Jenkins

December 3, 2005

Night Shot of Yard Decor. Photo By Marilyn Clark, League City Area News Online

You have been driving down the highway and suddenly, along side the road there is a warning sign! In bold letters (usually red) it reads: “PREPARE TO MEET THY GOD!”
Such a warning can be a bit unsettling. After regaining control of the car, you wonder what might be waiting for you around the next curve.

Meeting God can be a very traumatic experience! Perhaps that is why our culture is attempting to marginalize the “God” aspect of Christmas celebrations. Christmas carries the seed of accountability to Someone beyond ourselves.

It was the prophet Amos who coined that phrase some 2700 years ago. (Amos 4:12)
I must confess that I really do like that phrase this time of year. I don’t like it in the sense of fear and doom which Amos spoke it: “God is coming and you’re in big trouble.”

I like it in the context of the days before Christmas, in the way of grace, with a sense of joy and anticipation. I like it in the geography of Bethlehem, where wise men follow a star and shepherds make their way to a manger. For me, “PREPARE TO MEET THY GOD!” means to get ready to welcome the Divine Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

There is another saying I have seen floating around that also has ties to the Christmas season: JESUS IS COMING! LOOK BUSY. Don’t we wear ourselves out being busy during the Christmas season? Unfortunately, many of us will be too busy with all the Christmas activities to enjoy the reason for the season. Most of us are going to spend a lot of money, time and energy preparing for Christmas morning.

Far more important is the preparation we make in our hearts to meet our God on Christmas morning.

Jesus is coming! Relax and prepare your heart. After all, He is coming with love in His heart to meet us.

Just pondering.

Picture update: December 24, 2005

League City United Methodist Church is located at 1411 Main Street (FM 518), one block east of Interstate 45. For information, call the church offices at 281-332-1557 or visit the website at

HYPERLINK - http://www.lcumc.org