The four thousand years from Adam’s fall to Christ’s birth were full of God’s preparations to redeem us. His eternal purpose was brought about by His sovereign care over all of history’s details. His preparations all culminated in a small village. A child was born in something like a barn. This was the child who had been promised to Eve who would crush Satan’s head. And God is still preparing; preparing a bride for the second advent of His Son.
In Proverbs, we’re exhorted to cultivate the virtue of Preparation. It’s found there in a number of guises: diligence, prudence, readiness, planning ahead, providence. The slothful man is pictured as hastily living for the moment, resulting in a shamble of an existence. The diligent man, by contrast, is rewarded with wealth & largesse.
“A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself; but the simple pass on, & are punished (Pro 27:12).”
“The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenteousness; but of every one that is hasty only to want (Pro 21:5).”
“Every purpose is established by counsel: & with good advice make war (Pro 20:18).”
During Christmastime we all busy ourselves with preparation. We prepare gifts, food, decorations. After all, the presents don’t wrap themselves, the turkey won’t cook itself, and the Christmas tree won’t chop itself down to ornament itself. We arrange schedules for the Christmas meal and gussy up for the Christmas Eve service. This month is brimming over––like your waistlines after a month of fudge, cheese, and egg nog––with preparations.
This season should remind us of how we ought to go about our entire life. We’re always preparing. We’re either preparing like the wise son of Proverbs, or like the lazy fool. Either like a Scrooge, Grinch, Couch Potato; or a diligent man, imitating the providence of God. One day you will give an account for your life. Will you be ready for that reckoning?