Preparing room....

I just finished putting the front yard decorations out.  After all, the best way to spread Christmas cheer to is sing aloud for all to hear!

Is it too early to start talking about taking it all down?  You know, when the Christmas season is over.  Like a modern day Isaiah, Hobby Lobby has been foretelling of its coming for months now.  But what happens when it's all said and done?

One of my favorite Christmas lines is in the first verse of Joy to the World...."let every heart prepare Him room".  The longer I walk with God, the more I see the truth of what God does to a heart when one allows Him space inside it, and keeps Him there close by.  Anyone can know who God is.  Scripture reminds us that even Satan knows He exists.  We can't stop at salvation either.  I accept Jesus as my Savior.  But what about the Lord part?  Does He rule in your heart?  In your life beyond the season?      

The truth about Christmas for me is that it doesn't really matter much what you do at this time of year, if you're not living up to it the rest of the year.  What holiday magic really creates a relationship among family members that only see each other for the sake of the season?  That angel tree gift is a wonderful gesture, but the poor are still in need the rest of the year, too.  We love to say, "Keep Christ in Christmas" but what about the rest of the year?  Where are you keeping Him then?  Does He go back into storage with the nativity scene until next December?

Let every heart prepare Him room....

The gift of God's son is a life changing gift, from the inside out....not just a seasonal one.  We can celebrate Christmastime all we want with a lighted Christmas tree and ornaments, decorated cookies and packages.  Or we can do none of it at all!  Christ isn't just interested in being a part of your holiday celebration.  He wants you all the time.  

Heavenly Father, this time of year it is easy to be swept up with celebrating and decorating, gift-buying and preparations.  All of these traditions can indeed be so much fun.  But, Father, when the season is over and everything is packed away let me remember that You are still on the throne!  You are my Savior AND my Lord.  Let my actions this holiday season be a continuation of the good works You have accomplished through me so far, and lead me further in Your name into the new year ahead.  Amen.