Time to Get Ready!
We’ve heard it and may have already sung it this season…
Joy to the World! The Lord has come
Let earth receive her king.
Let every heart prepare Him room
And heaven and nature sing!
In a couple of weeks Christians around the world will be challenged to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas in the midst of marketeering and commercialism. “Don’t forget to get the perfect present for every member on your list.” We are coached and cajoled into thinking that family members and friends will talk about us after the holidays if we don’t spend an arm and a leg on everyone. We know the truth: Christ is the real reason for the season. Yet, we hustle and bustle around to make everything perfect on the outside – decorations, lights, presents, dinners, parties, etc. – while spending less time preparing our hearts on the inside.
Let every heart prepare Him room…
I have to ask myself, “Am I preparing room in my heart for Jesus, my Savior?” Am I setting aside quality time with Him to pray, share my deepest thoughts, and listen to His still small voice? Have I pushed aside the busyness, the worries, the “should haves, would haves, and could haves!” Jesus wants quality time with me. He wants to be noticed as He waits in my heart by the power of His Holy Spirit. Like the hymn reminds me, I would do well to make room for Him today and every day, all year long.
Scripture is full of encouragements and commands to rejoice in God Our Savior. The passage referenced in the hymnal is from Psalm 98 (read it here, especially vs. 4 and 9). The Lord commands us to “shout for joy!” That can only sincerely come from a heart filled with joy. There’s got to be room for it. Time to prepare!
Let earth receive her king.
When I make room for Jesus in my heart, I can better aid the world in receiving Him. By sharing His love and joy in me with a friend, a skeptic family member, a grocery store clerk, a waitress, loan officer, street person, widow, orphan, successful business man or woman, etc. the world will meet Jesus. As others have said before, I may be the only bit of Jesus most of these people see this year. I’m praying that the world will lay aside some of its craziness and truly receive her king. In years past, fighting soldiers would cease fire on Christmas day to honor and respect the birth of the Heavenly King. Maybe it’s time for me to pray once again the world will remember Him!
Joy to the World! The Lord has come.
Jesus Christ Our Lord came over 2000 years ago in the form of a tiny baby. He brought hope, peace, love, salvation, and grace to a struggling, betraying world as He lived, suffered, died, and conquered death in His resurrection. He is here today in our hearts, minds, and spirits. He is here as we break bread together, serve others, and come into His presence. He has come. He is here. And He will continue to be with us until He comes again to bring us home in final victory! That’s worth celebrating, shouting, and telling the news: Jesus Christ is born! He lives and reigns!
Let heaven and nature sing!
May God bless us all this year with a joyous, faith-filled Christmas season.