Prepare Him Room - Creating Spaces and Places
In November, two years ago, we downsized from a four-bedroom, two and one-half bath home that included a finished basement to a two-bedroom condo. The change was drastic! We had lived in our home for twenty-seven years, accumulating lots of stuff along with creating many memories. With the move, we purged a lot of things as we prepared for less space. Steve was excited not to take care of an acre of property, and all that entails while I was mourning what I had. Change can be difficult!
Initially, adjusting to this new living space was challenging. While the two-bedroom condo had the potential to be beautiful, it was much smaller, empty, and undecorated, so it didn’t feel inviting. However, as we put things away and began to decorate for Christmas, the space became very welcoming! Plus, one of the reasons we chose this condo was it included a basement, with the potential to be finished and add some space. So, as furniture and boxes were carried and placed on the first floor, workers took drywall and flooring downstairs so the construction could begin the following morning to complete this space.
Like a Christmas miracle, the basement was completed and set up in four weeks, in time for Christmas. Initially, I made the second bedroom an office, but as soon as the downstairs was complete, I moved my office there and turned that bedroom into a guest room that is welcoming to both our grandkids and guests. I love creating welcoming spaces!
My oldest grandson spoke these words when we were moving, “Mom-mom, are we not going to have big family dinners at your house anymore?” Without a dining room, it seemed impossible, but today I am grateful that we have a beautiful space in our basement filled with furniture, a large farm table, and a place for toys, and we still can have big family dinners. We planned, prepared, and decorated our home with the vision and purpose of family and friends enjoying the space with us
When I think about this Christmas season, I wonder if I am as diligent in preparing my heart as my home? Indeed, at Christmas, I take lots of time and energy to decorate my living space, to create an atmosphere our family and guests can enjoy. How about preparing room in my heart for Jesus? Do I take the same amount of time creating spaces and places where my heart is concerned?
Here is a truth I have realized: Though Jesus could demand access to our life, He doesn’t. Instead, like a guest waiting outside your door, He longs for the invitation to access our hearts.
“Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me.
Revelation 3:20 NIV
This Christmas season, be intentional about creating spaces and places for Jesus to inhabit your life and family, and you will experience an amazing Christmas!
So how do you do this?
First, get rid of the clutter. When we downsized, we determined what should go and what should stay. Spiritually, when it comes to our heart, there may be some things that need to go! Unforgiveness, hidden sin, ungratefulness. All of these take up space in your heart.
I Peter 2:1-3. Therefore, rid yourselves of all malice and all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander of every kind. 2Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation, 3now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.
Second, add some new decorations to your life! What new tradition can you start this year to create a welcoming Christmas season? Whether adopting a needy family for Christmas or serving at a soup kitchen, do something that opens your heart to others. In the book of Matthew, when Jesus was talking about helping those in need, He said we are serving Him. I think He likes this!
“And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’ Matthew 25:40
Finally, invite Him to your Christmas celebration by keeping Him the main thing and being thankful! I got into the habit of making a birthday cake for Jesus, so we would not forget the main reason for Christmas. Other families have communion together. What you do isn’t the point. It’s creating the atmosphere where Jesus is the reason for the season.
Colossians 3:15 says: “Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts since as members of one body, you were called to peace. And be thankful. Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”
My prayer for you and me this Christmas is, Jesus fills our lives abundantly because we have prepared Him room.
Merry Christmas!
Liz
