𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐲 𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐦𝐚𝐬: 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐚𝐡

The day after Christmas often feels quieter. The debates—“Is Christmas pagan? Was it all a lie?”—begin to fade on Facebook. Hanukkah is underway, and life slowly settles back into its usual rhythms. But as the noise dims, it’s the perfect time to reflect, to pause, and to look inward.

Friends, as we wait for the Messiah’s return, we’re reminded that preparation isn’t just about the world around us. It’s about the work G-d wants to do within us. The most important preparation is letting Him purify our hearts, especially from the deceptions and pride we’ve unknowingly held onto.

Many of us learned from teachers who loved G-d and meant well. Yet, even with good intentions, they passed down ideas that were flawed. One such example is Alexander Hislop’s claims about Christianity’s roots being entirely pagan. These ideas felt convincing at first, but careful research has shown they don’t stand up to scrutiny. This “Hislop Heresy” created division, leaving us mistrusting our brothers and sisters in the faith, often labeling them unfairly.

In our confusion, we’ve taken sides. We’ve accused Torah Pursuant believers of rejecting grace, and we’ve accused Gentiles who rely on grace of failing to love G-d with all their heart, soul, and strength by keeping His commands. We’ve let frustration grow into anger when others rejected our faith journey. Maybe, in secret, we’ve wished they’d join us—not with joy but as proof that they were wrong. And when they didn’t, bitterness crept in.

We’ve all felt the sting of being called names—“pagan,” “satanic,” “deceived”—simply for questioning traditions or for seeking deeper truth. But haven’t we done the same? Have we not also let pride build barriers where love should have built bridges? Too often, we’ve cared more about being right than about showing the love of G-d.

This isn’t new. Our ancestors were stiff-necked in their journey, and Yeshua called out this same pride in the Pharisees (Matthew 23:13). Yet, how patient He is with us! Just as He was with them, our Father is merciful, softening even the hardest hearts through His Spirit (Ezekiel 36:26).

Today, let’s humble ourselves before G-d. Let’s ask Him to purify our hearts—not just of false ideas, but of the pride, anger, and division that have separated us from one another. Let’s repent for the walls we’ve built, the accusations we’ve thrown, and the love we’ve withheld. And let’s resolve to love our brothers and sisters, no matter where they are in their journey.

The Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) is preparing the Messiah’s bride, purifying her from her favorite deceptions—the ones planted by even the best-intentioned teachers. This is a work of grace, not something we can rush or force. Patience is key, for the Messiah’s bride must be pure when He comes.

The coming of Messiah will be a day of great rejoicing for all who love Him. Picture it: Jews and Gentiles, Torah Pursuant and grace-reliant believers, singing and dancing together in worship before His throne. Why wait until that day to live in unity? Let’s start now by preparing our hearts, letting His Spirit guide us to love as He first loved us (John 13:34-35).

Baruch HaShem (Blessed be the Name) for His mercy and patience. May we be found ready to welcome Him when He comes!