Prepare Him Room

And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart (Luke 2:18 – 19, KJV).

The legends and lore of Christmas intertwine with the simple story of Christ’s birth creating scenarios that only vaguely resemble the impoverished setting into which our Lord was born. In our attempt to honor and celebrate, we have established pageantry that far exceeds the biblical account. We show the Magi at the stable, but their journey brought them to the house where the child Jesus was almost two years after his birth. We display a pristine stable setting, but the place where ox and cattle are kept is rarely unspoiled. And Mary, quietly observing as she sits by the manger, does not look like a woman who has just given birth.

In addition to the fanfare of celebrations, culture wars have marred the peace and love that should mark this season. We debate rather than worship and censure rather than love. Add to this the reality that we spend more time shopping than adoring our Savior, and one begins to recognize the inconsistencies that define Christmas in our world.

I am by no means a Grinch. I love the opportunities this time of year gives me to celebrate and ponder God’s gift of love in his son. I enjoy my Christmas tree, and a Nativity, surrounded by angels of all shapes and sizes, takes center stage in my home. Christmas, with all its truth and beauty, stirs my heart.

This is why, as I plunge into this hectic season, I want to take some moments to focus my heart on the true star of Christmas. I don’t want to just enjoy the season; I want to love on the Christ who came.

My pondering leads me to some decisions about how I will spend this Christmas. This Christmas I will:

• Greet people with love, even if they do not say “Merry Christmas”.

• Savor the joy of sin forgiven.

• Give to those who cannot give back.

• Laugh often, for I know the source of true joy.

• Spend time with the one I celebrate. I will worship him.

• Refuse to engage in unrealistic expectations, especially my own.

• Sing, with my heart and with my voice.

• Tell someone about the angels’ message: the birth of Jesus Christ is evidence of God’s goodwill toward the people of this world.

• Refuse to allow pettiness or discontent to mar fellowship with family and friends.

Today, as I hum the carol “Joy to the World”, I will follow its advice and prepare room in my heart for him.

Won’t you join me?

Dear Father, cleanse the debris from my heart, the anxiousness, the busyness, the self-centeredness, so that I may worship you. Be at home in my heart, Lord Jesus.

“Let every heart prepare Him room, And Heaven and nature sing” (Isaac Watts).