Prepare Him Room
At last, the Christmas preparations are coming together; most presents are posted or sorted out, a quick trip to London to see the Journey of the Magi wonderfully performed by the Springs Dance company yesterday, most cards were finished this morning, some of our decorations have begun to go up, and finally a moment (Just a figure of speech; it takes me a lot longer.) to write my Christmas blog.
The carol ‘Joy to the World’ written in 1719 by an English minister called Isaac Watts uses the phrase ‘prepare him room’ (Luke 2: 7) and was based on Psalm 98. The melody was composed by Lowell Mason, an American. More recently, Phil Wickham has done a joyful version too, on You Tube.
When Jesus was born in a stable because there was no room for him anywhere else, only shepherds came to visit this baby who was the King of Kings, and they only knew about him because angels had told them. (Yes, I know the wisemen/Magi came later, but that’s a whole other story. I’m working on it.)
One of the saddest verses in the Bible for me, is John 1: 10-11 “He came into the world, and though the world was made through Him, the world did not recognise or know Him. He came to His creation, and they who were His own did not receive Him and welcome Him. There was no room for Him in this world.
For most of us, Christmas has become so full of unrealistic expectations, additional preparations, business, pain or sadness that our hearts, and especially our minds can become overcrowded and exhausted, and there is no room for what Christmas is truly about.
Matthew (6: 31-34) puts it so well. “Do not worry and be anxious saying “What are we going to eat for Christmas dinner or, What are we going to drink or, What are we going to wear to the Christmas/New year party, or How will we afford it all, How will we pay our bills? the answer lies in verse 33, But seek first of all His Kingdom and His way of doing things and being right, and then it all falls into place (paraphrased by me).
Refocussing on the real meaning of Christmas, probably begins by clearing out our hearts and minds; the meaningless clutter and making room for Him - He is the one who brings light, love, peace, balance and joy - the commercialism of Christmas can drive us, but surely it is better to let his Holy spirit fill us. Clear Out The Stable The King Is Here!
May the God of your hope so fill you with all joy and peace in believing that by the power of the Holy spirit you may abound and be overflowing (bubbling over) with hope.
Happy Happy Christmas to you
Ceridy
