To Prepare Him Room

By now, many of us have packed up our fall décor (which I barely got out in time for Thanksgiving), and the Christmas trees, wreaths, and lights are out of the attic to make our spirits bright over the next month. 

Yes, Jesus is the reason for the season. While I know this is true, I still struggle to live it with my calendar and in my heart. The next few weeks will be super busy with events, company, and gatherings already filling my schedule. But deep in my soul, I continue to hear this echo: Prepare Him room.

That’s my desire this season. That amid concerts, celebrations, shopping, and decorating, I am making room for Jesus. Room for him in my calendar, relationships, thoughts, actions, and spirit. Room for him in religious activities, because even here busyness and familiarity can drown out his whispers of life and hope, leaving no room for him. After all, it was the pious teachers of the day who completely missed his first appearance, because their hearts and minds had no room for a lowly babe in a manger.

One way I intend to prepare him room is to pause each day and reflect on Jesus via our family’s Jesse Tree. In case you’re unfamiliar with using a Jesse Tree during Advent – each day an ornament is placed on a small tree representing the story of Jesus from creation until His birth. (I participated in a Jesse Tree ornament “swap” many years ago, so each of the ornaments we use were homemade by the contributors.  But you can also find a myriad of options on line including free printable coloring options).

 Each day we unwrap a gift of Biblical history, prophecy or promise that points to our Messiah and read the related scripture and a short devotion. It is a beautiful way to count down the days to Christmas and prepare room to celebrate the birth of Emmanuel, God with Us – the Word who became flesh.

How are you intentionally preparing him room in your life this season?