‘Joy to the World’ was the most published Christmas carol of the twentieth century. Isaac Watts wrote this as a paraphrase of Psalm 98. Although the pervading theme of this Psalm is that of praise and joy, the lyrics should cause us pause. Let every heart prepare Him room…
Every Christmas, major planning is done to prepare our homes for Christmas and in the execution of these plans often unexpected activities arise in the preparations. The discovery of dust bunnies under furnishings causes a quick stoppage of decorating to clean the exposure of the undetected dust and grime hidden away. Likewise, with our hearts, the cleansing of unChrist-like thoughts and feelings is also exposed when we focus on the preparation of our hearts for King Jesus. Rarely do we engage in further heart preparations by looking at our heart's perspective on how we view God. Do we need a restored view of God that will allow Him to come to us in all His might and glory? How do we ensure our hearts are prepared for Him?
How to prepare your heart
Stay humble
If we can maintain a humble heart posture, we will be able to have a prepared heart. Prov 16:18 says, “Pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” Stay humble in every situation and do not let pride, anger or a haughty spirit keep you from a pure heart.
Remember
Many scriptures in Deuteronomy speak on the importance of remembering. We have celebrations and feasts to remember what God has done. 1 Chronicles 29:18, “O LORD God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, our fathers, keep this forever in the imagination of the thoughts of the heart of thy people, and prepare their heart unto thee.” If we can remember what He has done for us, then we will be able to stay in a place of praise and thanksgiving.
Stay focused
Prepare your heart by focusing on the Father. “My heart is fixed, O God, my heart is fixed: I will sing and give praise” (Ps. 57:7). If we can focus on our king who loves us, we will be ready for Him when He comes.
May this Christmas season be a time of preparedness. As we celebrate His first coming as the Lamb of God to bring us salvation, let us also anticipate His return as the Lion of Judah, the King of Kings. Let us be a people with hearts clean and prepared to be able to say with all our hearts:
He rules the world with truth and grace and makes the nations prove.
Let your heart be prepared and this be a holy time for you and your loved ones to share in the glories of His righteousness and the wonders of His love.
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