So then, prepare your hearts and minds for action! Stay alert and fix your hope firmly on the marvelous grace that is coming to you. For when Jesus Christ is unveiled, a greater measure of grace will be released to you.
1 Peter 1:13 TPT
Let every heart prepare Him room!
Joy to the World
How do you prepare your heart for the coming of the Lord Jesus? Here are just a few ideas to consider —
- When company is coming, we clean house! We sweep, mop, tidy up! Since Christ dwells in our hearts, Advent is the perfect time for soul-searching, allowing the Spirit of God to sweep out the dark recesses of unforgiveness, greed, lack of love.
- When company is coming, we anticipate their arrival! We get excited, make plans, look forward to time spent together! Advent is about the longing for the Messiah to come. Are we longing to be in God’s presence? Are we anticipating His soon return? With joy and expectation? Can we truly say with the Psalmist, “O God, you are my God; earnestly I seek you; my soul thirsts for you; my flesh faints for you, as in a dry and weary land where there is no water.” As we read the Word, let’s pray, ask God to create in us a yearning for His presence!
- When company is coming, we consider our budget before shopping for the ingredients for the meal we will share! During Advent and Christmastime, we need to consider how we can be good stewards of time, talents, money, even energy!
- When company is coming, we think through the evening together, about possible conversations, topics of interest, what we might like to know about our guests, what we might like to share. During Advent, we remember and tell the story of the baby of Bethlehem. Our church is focusing on a particular Advent devotional together. Maybe you follow a particular Bible reading plan in this season. Advent is a time to talk, even sing about the grand narrative of God’s redemptive plan!
To welcome company, we have to make time, declutter, prepare our hearts! This Advent season, how are you preparing your heart?
Fortunately, we are not left to our own devices! The Spirit of God strengthens our hearts, makes our ears attentive, and moves us to obey His commands!
Lord, You have heard the desire of the humble;
Luke 10:17 NASB
You will strengthen their heart, You will make Your ear attentive–
Father, prepare our hearts as your dwelling place. Cultivate in us a single-hearted devotion to you. May we desire to behold your beauty, to walk in your ways, even to gaze on your face! May seeking you be our one goal in this Advent season. And may all of our earthly celebrations overflow out of your great love for us. May our hearts be in tune with you being strengthened and encouraged as we anticipate your coming! Reveal deeply your love for us as we celebrate your birth! Amen.
