So, what are your thoughts on this whole Mayan Calendar, end of the world doomsday prediction?  One article I read classified Christians as the group most likely to believe in such predictions based on their understandings and acceptance of end time events as in the book of Revelation.  However, most mature Christians conclude that this is just another bogus assumption born out of a lack of Biblical knowledge.  Justifying this position in Matthew 24:36 “But of that day and hour knows no man, neither angels of Heaven nor the Son, but my Father.”

December 21, 2012 will definitely be an interesting day…and so will December 22, 2012 when the sun will rise – just as it has been doing for centuries.  I for one will be preparing for 2013 and attempting to make it the best year yet serving and living for my Lord.

Therefore, prepare your minds for action; be self-controlled; set your hope fully on the grace to be given you when Jesus Christ is revealed.1 Peter 1:13

There are many scriptures encouraging us to be prepared, getting ready, or being ready along with references to waiting. There are more references to these two virtues than any other topics, including references to money, which are mentioned quiet often.

What eye has not seen and ear has not heard and has not entered into the heart of man, God has prepared (made and keeps ready) for those who love Him who hold Him in affectionate reverence, promptly obeying Him and gratefully recognizing the benefits He has bestowed. 1 Corinthians 2:9

Be silent before the Lord God! For the day of the Lord is near, for the Lord has prepared a sacrifice, He has consecrated His guests. Zephaniah 1:7

You will tread down the wicked, for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day which I am preparing, says the Lord of hosts. Malachi 4:3

Noah’s faith was so strong, being warned by God concerning events of which there were no visible signs, he listened and diligently constructed and prepared the ark for the deliverance of his family. Hebrews 11:7

From the beginning God has been preparing for us. He knew each one of us before we were born. He prepared a way back to relationship with Him; He has prepared, in advance, good works for us to do; Jesus has gone to prepare a place for us. We too often think of preparing as a way to get something we want – to consume. Think about the kind of preparation our Lord Jesus is doing.  It is all for you and me – preparations to receive us, to love us, and to provide for us. God models for us what preparation is in the Kingdom of God, an attitude of serving others.

Our preparation needs to be directed outward…preparing to love, preparing to give, preparing to serve, preparing to encourage, preparing to give by sharing our faith, and preparing to be with God and our Lord Jesus in our real world one day.

My prayer for myself and others is going to be that instead of fearing the end of the world, let us prepare here on earth as God and our Lord Jesus prepare to receive us eternally.