Advent: Let every heart prepare Him room

Joy to the world, the Lord has come…. And this is the time for Advent, when we as Christians rejoice and fill our hearts to prepare for the New Born King. Whenever we think of Christmas, we are all guilty at one point or another to take what this day REALLY means for granted. We get so caught up in the shopping, the present wrapping, the crowds of people, checking off all our things on our lists, and not to mention decorating and putting up the Christmas lights. (Forget it!! Right??) We rarely, if we are lucky, have that one quiet moment during this time of year to really reflect on the impact that Jesus Christ has on our entire World and Universe. The Son of God, in all his glory, and all his power, came to us directly through God himself, and a young woman, Mary, not as a man, but as a new born baby boy.

This act alone is the most significant and powerful event amongst the thousands of stories in the Bible. Some may think that the birth of Christ is not just a story, it represents our hope, our Savior, our Lord of Lord, and our King of Kings coming to us in the flesh! But by calling this miracle a story, one must understand this story and historical event – is just that, it is the passing down of HIS story. Generations upon generations from multiple cultures, for centuries have yet to strayed from the details of this story. Whenever there is an event, a crime, or tragedy and multiple witnesses are involved – there are bound to be different points of views spoken and written about the same event, right? But even though the stories are all a little different here and there – the result of what they witnessed is always the same. It is this same concept, that has proven the test of time with the impeccable conservation of the story of the Birth of Jesus. Just as the shepherds and wisemen all had different perspectives - the story of the Birth of Jesus Christ has remained constant. Those who witnessed His birth are forever blessed – for though they may have seen this event through various eyes and viewpoints – they were able to pass on the story, HIS story, through generations to come – and because of this – the story of the very First Christmas remains everlasting.

Sure, it may be easy for some to dismiss the Bible’s claims and “tall tales.” But it is that group of people that have not known how or have yet to prepared their hearts for Him to enter. But I cannot think of a better time for someone to open their heart and let down their guard and fear so that they may welcome the peace Jesus can bring them. It is us as Christians that can help and guide those others, that may be hesitant, to an understanding of trusting in the Lord Jesus. Trusting in the that small baby boy, that Jesus once was, coming into this world just as we all have, to spread hope, peace, and save us from our own destruction. It is a wonderful time to reach out and help those who have merely heard, but have not listened, to the story of the Birth of Jesus – and help them to prepare Him room in their hearts.

We all get lost in the hustle and bustle of the holiday parties, the last-minute gifts, and the stress of finding the right recipe to make or outfit to wear – when really, deep in our hearts, we know none of those things matter. This is the time when WE ALL need to take 10 steps back and just be truly amazed and grateful for what we have around us, the nature that surrounds us, the mind, brain, and body that God has made for us, and the intricate details in everything our eyes and ears are blessed to experience.  This is the time for Advent, a time to rejoice and prepare for the coming of our Lord and Savior, again.

The Word of God for the People of God.

Thanks be to God!