In the wilderness prepare the way of the LORD. Isaiah 40:3 (NRSV)
During Advent, we prepare our homes for Christmas. Do we also prepare our hearts?
At the last session of a Lay Witness Weekend at a church, I was in there was a time when those who participated in the activities shared their feelings about what they heard God say to them.
An older woman who was like a spiritual mother to me said she realized anew that we should prepare to worship Jesus. She pointed out that we prepare to take a trip, to have company, to go shopping, and to go to the grocery store.
She also reminded us that as we prepare to attend church we tend to our clothing and that of our families. She then stressed we also are to prepare our hearts to meet the LORD.
How can we prepare our hearts for worship?
We can:
· Try to get a good night’s sleep.
· Find a time to pray a short prayer.
· Give God anything in our hearts that bothers us or what we don’t understand.
· Put a smile on our faces.
· Greet those we meet with kind words.
Let us all prepare our hearts as we prepare our homes to celebrate the birth of our LORD, Jesus Christ.
Hi Cecelia - we certainly need to prepare for this season - in many ways ... with thoughts in your direction - cheers Hilary
ReplyDeleteHilary: I am trying to 'prepare' our home for Christmas. I am always trying to prepare my heart for Christ. Peace and blessings to you as you explore you new surroundings.
DeleteThat's a good point. I know too often I fail to take time before attending church to get quiet and have a good mindset. Our lives, I think, are too busy overall. Good food for thought, thank you.
ReplyDeleteKaren: I have had times when I have rushed out the door and forgot something. All because I did not allow time to properly plan. Peace and blessings to you as you take your blog break.
Delete"Prepare ye the way of the Lord..." Yes, I love the Advent season as we prepare our hearts to receive the Lord anew and afresh in our hearts, not just as a little baby, but as the One Who came to Save us from our sins...and to give us new life...abundantly!! Preparing our hearts for worship helps us to open the door of our hearts to let Him enter in to come and sup with us and abide with us. Such a precious time. Thank you for this reminder.
ReplyDeletePam: We so often get bogged down in the 'things of the world' at this time of the year. I am thankful that we have the season of Advent to remind us of Jesus and how much the Father loves us that He would give us His Son as a way for us to learn of Himself and what He has for us.
DeletePeace and blessings.