It’s Christmas! Oh, the joy of this most wondrous season. We plan and prepare so far in advance to make the magical moments last for more than just one day’s events. We decorate, we bake, we buy, we wrap…we prepare in so many ways. 

There is joy in preparation. With the preparing, we are anticipating. Anticipating the smiles on our loved ones’ faces when they open carefully wrapped treasures. Anticipating a bountiful feast prepared with bellies and hearts to be filled. Anticipating the excitement of gathering, sharing, loving, giving, and receiving. 

Ironically, the Lord is preparing and anticipating too. While we’re busy with our to-do lists here on earth, Jesus is about His Father’s business, preparing something special too.

“In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.” (John 14:2)

The Lord is anticipating our arrival. He is preparing our heavenly home. There’s nothing spontaneous or last minute about His planning. He knew us in the womb, He had a plan for our lives, and He is anticipating and preparing for our homecoming someday. 

If Jesus is preparing a place for me, ought not I prepare a place for Him? A place in my preparations. A place in my festivities. A place in my daily to-do list. A place in my mind. A place in my heart. 

We look forward to Christmas with so much anticipation and preparation. Don’t forget what’s at the heart of all of the hustle and bustle. While the natural preparations bring joy, make room for the One who IS joy – lasting joy – and prepare a place in your heart for Him. 

Joy to the world, the Lord is come
Let Earth receive her King
Let every heart prepare Him room
And Heaven and nature sing

This article has undergone ministry review and approval.