Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room

I believe the holiday season is indeed the most wonderful time of the year. I love snuggling up under a cozy blanket with a cup of hot chocolate and a Christmas movie. I love the hustle and bustle of shopping and the jolly “Merry Christmas!” greeting from strangers. The radiance of lights all around, the bundling up with coats, scarves, and mittens, and the toasty car rides blasting holiday tunes are what I look forward to year after year.

But, honestly, I can do all of that with everyone on my list except the One who should be at the center of it all:

Jesus.

God is always speaking.

I was taking my daughter to school the other morning when an unfamiliar song came on the radio. I probably would have listened, but my mind was elsewhere. My 7-year-old and 15-month-old were probably engaged in a war of who can say “Mommy” the most times during our 15-minute ride to school. But, suddenly, in this sea of new lyrics, she said, “Let every heart prepare Him room”.

I’ve heard Joy to the World hundreds of times and honestly, I can sing it without giving the meaning too much thought. But, this time, those six words astounded me.

Make room for Jesus.

When Jesus’ birth was near, there wasn’t any room for Mary & Joseph in the Inn. So, they found a barn. I pondered the last time my heart had a vacancy. Do I make room for Jesus as I’m scheduling my day or is He an afterthought?

Ask yourself.

Is there any room for Him on Christmas morning as we tear through wrapping paper, oohing and aaahing over things that can never forgive our sins? Have I remembered those who are truly in need?

Will Jesus have to find another place to stay because my heart has no more room?

Time to Clean House

If you shuddered at the answers you just gave, it’s not too late to prepare Him a room. I’m not about that giving up life. Let’s start cleaning now and make a place for Jesus!

1. Rise, shine, give Him the glory!

Wherever you go after your feet hit the floor in the morning, make a note to spend some time with Jesus. Maybe that’s your bathroom mirror, coffee pot or shower. Wherever it is, don’t begin your day without acknowledging Him (Mark 1:35).

2. Give Him your undivided, undistracted attention.

Whenever I get in the car, I turn on the radio. Whenever I’m folding clothes, I turn on the TV.  Whenever I’m cleaning, I listen to a podcast or chat with a girlfriend. What are your time-fillers? Every day, choose one thing to replace with time in the Word or a good ole’ conversation with your Creator (Matthew 6:6).

3. Make time for others.

This can be hard when you’re barely making it with your own busy schedule, but that just means it’s time to put some things down or delegate them to others. Jesus wasn’t cooped up in His house all day. He was available. Once a month, invite someone to dinner. Plan a visit to the nursing home or the sick and shut-in. We have to intentionally make ourselves available to others (Luke 6:35).

Earlier this week, my daughter began to ramble off her Christmas wish list. I thought that would be a good time to ask her, “what are we getting Jesus?” After all, we are celebrating His birth. It took her a moment before she said, “I’m getting Him a birthday party!”

So, what’s the play call?

Make Jesus the focus and priority this season.

I think my daughter had a wonderful idea! And, I’ve just added you to the guest list. So…

What gift are you bringing Jesus?