Matthew 25:1-4
At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish and five were wise. The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take any oil with them. The wise ones, however, took oil in jars along with their lamps.
Christmas Eve, December 24th is often as much anticipated as Christmas Day itself. Think of the many times eager children (even adults) were in such anticipation that they could hardly go to sleep.
Many families have adopted the tradition of opening their gifts in the evening before Christmas. Some say they do this so they can sleep in on Christmas morning, but it may well be that it is because their excitement to give and receive gifts is so great they do not want to wait until morning.
In today’s Scripture Jesus relates the parable of the ten virgins. It is the eve of the coming of the bridegroom, but they are not sure just when it will come. They all should have been ready for his appearing, but only five were prepared and had jars of oil for their lamps. The cry was given that the bridegroom was coming, but only those who had prepared for his coming entered into the banquet with him.
The sad moral of this parable is that many have put off making preparation for the wonderful day of Christ’s return. We are all living in the eve of that great and glorious day. Now is the time, today is the day, be prepared to meet Him!
May God richly bless you as you bless others by your words and actions!
—Pastor Cecil