Prepare Him Room

On a crisp night, over two-thousand years ago, the air was cool and the stars were bright. To most, it seemed just like every other evening. Suddenly, a bright light pierced the darkness announcing that Earth received her King.

Another night, many, many years later, the air was cool and the stars were bright. It seemed just like any other evening when suddenly, a bright light pierced the darkness.

But, this night had nothing to do with three magi traveling from the Far East. It had nothing to do with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. This night was about the miracle of new birth in the lowly place of an empty soul. On this night, the King of kings and Lord of lords appeared in the heart void of the light of Christ. On this night, my heart received her King.

Just as the Word of the Father was born in a manger and wrapped in swaddling clothes so long ago, He is born today in the repentant heart swaddled in the receiving blanket of faith. From the heart once laden with sin, error and confusion, emerges the light of the bright Morning Star. (Rev. 22:16) When He appears, the weariness of the burdened soul rejoices along with the angels in renewed hope and restored life. 

This is a holy occasion—the moment of our personal salvation, the miracle of new life in Christ. For me, it was over twenty-five years ago, for others, even longer—and for some, only recently.

Most acknowledge that December 25 is most likely not the actual date of Jesus’ birth, and it doesn’t really matter. Likewise, many may not know with certainty the actual date of their “spiritual birth”, a few, however, do. Again, the date does not really matter. What matters is that a new birth did indeed take place.

The Christmas season brings so many opportunities to share the message of Christ with more people than any other time of the year. Much of our Christmas music, cards, and programs present the stories of salvation and deliverance woven throughout the Old and New Testament, along with the foretelling and birth of King Jesus, Immanuel—“God with us”.

It is also an opportunity to tell our own story of salvation. 

Isaiah prophesied the Messiah’s birth in Isaiah 9:2, “The people who walk in darkness will see a great light and it will shine upon all who live in the land of shadows.” 

Luke recorded Simeon’s words, “A light of revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of Thy people Israel” (Luke 2:32).

John tells it like this. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God…And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us…and we beheld His glory…full of grace and truth” (John 1:1, 14). 

Jesus declared, “I am the light of the world; he who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” John 8:12.  

For me and for others, we can say, “I once was lost and now am found, was blind but now I see.” (Luke 15:32, Mark 10:52)

In a world saturated with sin, and stumbling around in a spiritual darkness, Christmas reminds us of Christ’s appearing. Not just as a swaddled babe in a hallowed manger, but as the Risen Savior, the Deliverer to all people, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, and Prince of Peace.  

He is Peace and Provision to the one recently laid off. He is Hope and Promise to the parents praying for a prodigal child. Whether an oppressed nation or an enchained soul, He is Mighty God opening barriers and tearing down walls, allowing us to cross over into new territory and new life. 

From the homeless person on a cold, darkened street corner to the despondent executive crouched in the dark corner of an expensive office, the feelings of hopelessness and desperation are the same. Both are in need of a Savior, and He is Eternal Father to love us with a love that will never leave us nor forsake us. 

The message of Christmas is a message of hope, peace, and goodwill. It is the message that brings light into the dark places, opens the blind eyes, and sets the captives free. It IS the message of Christ. It is His story, and it can be yours. Let your heart receive its King. 

Father, we thank you for the gift of Jesus. Give us a fresh boldness to share the message of Christ not just at Christmas, but every day of the year. It began, Father, when You said, "Light up the darkness!" and our lives filled up with light as we saw and understood God in the face of Christ, bright and beautiful. Oh, come and let us adore Him now. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.