And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God, and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.

 Luke 1

And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God, and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared. Luke 1:16-17

This morning, as a bridge to my next study, I start a Christmas/Advent devotional from John Piper, which by divine appointment starts today on December 1st! Today's entry focuses on how we as believers should prepare for Christmas - specifically how to prepare our hearts spiritually to appropriately prepare for and celebrate the birth of Christ and what that means for believers.  John Piper encourages us to:

1. First, meditate on the fact that we need a Savior. Luke 2:11
2. Second, engage in sober self-examination. Psalm 139:23-24
3. Third, build God-centered anticipation and expectancy and excitement into your home — especially for the children.
4. Fourth, be much in the Scriptures, and memorize the great passages! “Is not my word like fire, declares the Lord” Jeremiah 23:29
   

 Let us, as John Piper encourages us to, prepare our hearts and spiritual selves to appropriately prepare for and celebrate the birth of Christ!

Command and discuss this post here.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God and I am grateful that You are my Savior, that You search my heart and sanctify me, and You bless me in ways that are unimaginable and indescribable - thank You Jesus!  I am grateful - but of course undeserving.  Amazing grace indeed!  My sin continues - worry, etc.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.