Before a patient has surgery, much preparation takes place. Medical history, blood work, and various tests are examined. We may not understand the how and why, but we trust that there is greater success with the
correct preparation.


Scrooge’s heart in the Charles Dickens novel needed a different surgery. The ghost of Christmas past came to remind him of kinder, gentler times in his life to prepare him for change.


God’s people needed preparation for their hearts to change. The people of Israel had heard prophesies for years concerning the Messiah who would set them free. Christ’s birth was THE big event of history, so God graciously prepared His people with prophesies. Zechariah did not understand what was going to happen as the angel spoke to him, but God was sending one more prophet – Zechariah’s son John – to stir up the people and prepare them for Jesus. God continues to prepare us today for a closer relationship with Christ. Whatever your situation, trust Him to work in your heart for your greatest good.