Dear Friend:
“Joy to the world, the Lord is come. Let earth receive her King. Let every heart prepare Him room. Let heaven and nature sing…”
This morning I am thinking about what it means for earth to “receive her king”. I think it might mean that we let ourselves open up a little bit more. Sometimes the things that life throws our way makes us close on the inside. We close a little, and then a little bit more until one day we find ourselves all alone in a dark, lonely space. Don’t stay alone this holiday season. Let’s open up our hearts to love, to God, to forgiveness, to acceptance, to faith, to people, to beauty, to taking risks, to reaching out to others.
My prayer for this season is that our hearts would open up even wider. May I prepare room in my heart that I would be a dwelling place for the King. May I be like Mary and say with simple faith, “Be it unto me according to thy word”. Help me to follow the plans You have for me, Lord, even when it feels scary and uncomfortable. Help us see the world though Your eyes and see the glory You have placed on all of creation. Teach me what true joy looks like. Thank you that the joy You offer is one for the whole world not just a select few. Enlarge the place of my tent.
Let us sing with all our hearts, “Joy to the world. The Lord has come.”
Merry Christmas!
Much Love to all,
Maureen Stanek
(Scripture References: Luke 1:38, Isaiah 54:2, Psalms 98:4-9)