We’re in the season of waiting, but it is also the season to prepare.
We prepare our homes for the arrival of Christmas Day. The lights turn on, the candles are lit, the tree get selected and brought into the house, the decorations set into place.
We go up into our attics to drag down boxes of ornaments and decorations. We move furniture around to make room for the tree to stand in our favorite spot in the room. Empty boxes are brought back up into the attic, and with an eye to be sure everything is as it should be, then the lights go on.
We get everything ready and position ourselves for the arrival of our Savior. More than our homes, we need to prepare our hearts for His arrival.
Preparation takes time and sacrifice. It demands effort on our part.
Zechariah was told about the birth of his son, John the Baptist, by an angel. The angel said:
“It is he who will go as a forerunner before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers back to the children, and the disobedient to the attitude of the righteous, so as to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” (Luke 1:17, NASB)
We need our hearts turned back to the Father, who sends His Son to us time after time. We need our prepared to receive Christ and the many blessings He alone brings into our lives.
The song implores us with its familiar words …
“Joy to the World, the Lord has come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room.”
How many times have we sung those words? How many times will we hear those words in the days leading up to Christmas?
The song captures my heart every time, filling me with an unexpected surge of joy each time. Yet not once does it make mention of anything Christmas.
“There is no baby in a manger, no angels, no shepherds or wise men, only that He “is come”. Present tense. He reigns and rules with truth and grace, both now and in the future.”
(from “Hosanna in Excelsis by David & Barbara Leeman, page 88)
At a time when so many are depleted of joy, He prepares our hearts to receive Him, filling us with joy. The joy comes from remaining in Him, in preparing Him room in our hearts.
“Shout joyfully to the Lord, all the earth; Break forth and sing for joy and sing praises.”
(Psalm 98:4, NASB)
Joy is found in a Person.
May we prepare room for Jesus.
It’s not too late to begin an Advent practice. Michele Morin turns our focus to the true Light and shares her Advent practice and the gift of her journal, “Welcoming the Light: A Guided Journal” HERE.
Come, sit a spell. Bring your coffee, your posts, and your thoughts. If you link up, kindly visit those who have drawn up a seat around you.
Photo by Maximilian Zahn on Unsplash
Today I am joining …
Thanks so much, Joanne, for sharing Welcoming the Light with friends here! And for sharing your always joyful self with us each week!
Truly my joy to share it, Michele, as I know your words will be a blessing!
Yes! Let us prepare room in our hearts and homes and lives for Jesus rather than just fit him in haphazardly in between our duties and plans.
It’s so true. When we prepare and make room for Him rather than just fit Him in, this time becomes more meaningful. It becomes a sacred wait.
Yes, make more and more room in all of me and my life Jesus – and be filled with awe as You do!
Yes, may He fill us with awe anew!
Prepared & Waiting. I am. xo
xo
Thank you, Joanne for this tender reminder to “make room” for the most important guest. We struggle to “make room” for decorations, Christmas trees, gifts, etc. may we keep our focus on the truest gift and Presence of the season!
We do move our furniture and things around to make room for the Christmas decorations. May we be as intentional and focused in moving things around so as to make room for Jesus in our lives. And may that be true all year round! I so appreciate your thoughts, Donna.
This was such a lovely read!!! Thank you for sharing this post…very comforting.
I wish you a lovely December!
And you as well, Sinziana! May this time of waiting and preparation be a special one!
Joanne, thanks for stirring my thoughts about “Joy to the World.” That song’s sounds epitomize joy. And the lyrics, when I really listen to what I’m singing, speak deeply to my heart of hope. I so appreciate your post!
Jeanne, I have been amazed at how I am listening more intently to the lyrics of old Christmas songs. The lyrics are so rich in depth of meaning, causing my heart to be stirred with hope. The time of waiting for the Messiah was a dark and long wait. We can find joy and hope as we wait for our Savior will come.
Yes, more of Jesus less of Jennifer!
Bless you Joanne,
Jennifer
When I saw your title, immediately asked “what am I doing to prepare Him room”. Thanks for the conviction to explore that.
Such a wonderful reminder, Joanne, “He prepares our hearts to receive Him, filling us with joy. The joy comes from remaining in Him, in preparing Him room in our hearts.” Abiding in Him and preparing my heart to receive more of Him.
Thank you for these encouraging words ma’am. Let us prepare Him room in the entirety of our lives.
Amen, J.D. – in the entirety of our lives.
I’m so thankful He came to do everything needed to provide our salvation and fellowship with Him. May we prepare Him room and receive Him gladly!
Joanne, you’re not going to believe this, but as I’m writing this comment, For King & Country’s version of Joy to the World is playing on my stereo. 🙂 (Would have been even more amazing if it had been Phil Wickham’s version, which is also on the playlist!) Anyway, you’re right … these days it’s such a comfort to remember the words to this song””especially that God still rules the world with truth and grace.