Joy To The World

Tuesday, December 3, 2024

Good morning, Lord

Father in Heaven, I seek You first-Your peace-Your knowledge and discernment. Build my trust. I take up my cross and follow...In Jesus' name...

Verse of the Day: Hebrews 1:1-2

1 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world.

Memory verse: Psalm 139:23–24 (ESV)

23  Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! 24  And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!

Today's reading: Ezekiel 47-48 1 John 3

Joy To The World!

This is the season of Advent-the coming of Emmanuel(Immanu El-God is with us). This is a preparation for the coming of Christ-who has obviously already come-but this keeps it fresh in our lives and in our homes. I could say how sad it is that this has been covered with all the 'commerce' of Christmas but it is time for us to use what we have and 'bloom where we are planted' and use this time to show our own excitement for our Lord.

The song 'Joy To The World' has a line in it that should call us to introspection-to look inside our hearts for what should be excitement...but may lack in that area.

The line is "Let every heart prepare Him room". The account of the birth of Christ Jesus in Luke says,

7 "And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn." Luke 2:7 King James Version

Let us pray that this is not the case in our hearts this advent season and 'prepare Him room'. This can and should be done all year-everyday.

This truth will never change. No room in our hearts is of our own choices-everyday, all year long choices. Every morning should be a celebration of the coming of Christ into our hearts and lives so that this mindset is constantly ours.

Luke 9:23-Then he said to them all: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me."

1 John 1:9 "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness."

Make room and feel the excitement...and then share it!

...because He loves us...

Father in Heaven,

Your name is our redemption. Let me know more of Your kingdom in our hearts. Give me Your bread for today. Forgive me my selfishness. Lead me away from harsh feelings.

Giver of all good and perfect gifts,

In the name of Christ Jesus,

Amen