Joy to the World
Joy to the World, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King
Let every heart prepare Him room
And Heaven and nature sing
And Heaven and nature sing
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing*
Now that we’re counting down the days to Christmas how are you making room for Jesus?
If you’re anything like me, chances are you’re distracted by many (good) things. Too distracted to think about what’s filling up your heart this Christmas, right?
I know, I’ve felt that way the entire year it seems. It was always one thing or another and oh, what a year it was.
As for preparing my heart?
Well, if I have to be totally honest, that just feels like more work to me.
Except, I’ve forgotten one thing.
Making room for Jesus, isn’t dependent on me. At least not solely.
I mean, I have to do my part. But my part isn’t really work, is it?
Any ‘work’ that’s necessary was already done. It was done by Jesus when He died on the cross for me.
And so it is that God does all the pursuing, all the heavy lifting.
All I have to do is show up and respond to Him.
But when life is overwhelming and my priorities are upside down, I miss His call. IÂ get too busy to hear His voice.
Responding to Jesus feels burdensome when I fill up with things that crowd Him out. Like social media (ouch, don’t I know it), or busyness, or … fill in the blanks.
But will those things really fill? Will they last?
The answer is a resounding ‘no’!
Tweet ThisThe only thing that really fills is the love of God in our lives.
Joy with a capital ‘J’
During the month of December, here on the blog and on my Facebook page I will be focusing on the Joy that Jesus offers.
Don’t miss out on that Joy, my friend.
And yes, it’s Joy with a capital ‘J’.
It’s the real deal. Long-lasting, soul-fulfilling, peace-giving Joy.
Deep down you know you want it.
God knows you need it.
So stick around, won’t you? We’re in this joy journey together.
Enjoy a beautiful live rendition of Joy to the World by Celtic Women here or check out this modern version from one of my favourite groups, Pentatonix. Â As you listen, I pray you will focus on making room for Jesus.
*See the full Joy to the World lyrics here.
What about you?
What is it that you need to move over to make room for Jesus this holiday season?
How can you intentionally fill up with more life-giving joy?
I’d love to hear from you in the comments, ’cause obviously, I need some ‘joy-spiration’ too. 🙂
Wishing you blessings,Â
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Found you on the #FridayFive linkup on MrsDisciple.com. I enjoyed reading this and reflecting. It is always a good reminder for me in all seasons to make room for Jesus. I was particularly struck by your question of whether we’re filling up or being fulfilled. Pondering…. Merry Christmas!
The idea of making room for Jesus keeps popping up on my screen. It takes intentionality to stop all the holiday preparations and traditions to soak in the joy that Christ offers. Thanks for linking up on #FridayFive!
Hi Marva–I encourage you to share this lovely post on the #fridayfive post at mrsdisciple.com. The theme this week is joy, and your post fits perfectly! Blessings to you.
Thanks for the tip, Sarah. I think I’ll do just that. 🙂
Holiday blessings to you and yours.
Thanks for sharing, Sarah!
Beautiful post with such gorgeous images, too, Marva! Praying for that joy with a capital J, my friend!
Hugs,
Lori
Thank you so much, Lori. I just found your new post on bringing joy to those grieving (thanks to my new comment system that links your post –yay!) and it is absolutely beautiful. Thank you for joining me in joy with a capital ‘J’. 🙂
This time of year is so very busy. I want to take the time to cuddle up by the fire and read the Bible and just be still and let God’s presence fill me up. Even though I have a long list of “to-dos” I want to enjoy “doing” them and enjoy the present moment, even if things are left undone. What a great post! You are such a blessing to me!
I’m so glad you were inspired by this, Valerie. Let’s drop those to-do lists this holiday season! I’m with you!
Cuddling by the fire sounds heavenly — for about 5 minutes and then I want to come back to my warm sunshine. Lol
Marva, I have been convicted lately of how much we get caught up in the pretense this time of year. Learning to get still and listen.
We really do get caught up, don’t we, Christina? Like you, I also want to get still and listen so I can soak up the very essence of the Christmas season. All the scurrying around is sooo tiring. There really is a better way and you’re on to it!
Absolutely beautiful, Marva! I’m setting my focus on Jesus this month and praying that I’m making a habit I will carry into the new year! Loved your graphics. This just blessed my heart! Thank you!!
I’ve been enjoying your joy posts this month, Deb. God knew that we needed our hearts to be set on His joy and I’m so glad we’re in this together.
I had so much fun putting together the graphics and I’m glad you like them. Blessings to you, my friend. <3
I’m giving myself permission to not do everything this Christmas. For me, that means letting go of Christmas cards. This season is not about “to do” lists. I love the way you said it, so beautifully.
I love that, Dawn! Hmm… what will I give myself permission to do? Maybe sleep in late while the kids are on Christmas break (already — can you believe it?!!)
I’m so glad you’ve found what works for you so that you can savour the season and all its glory!
Love this!! A great reminder to not forget the Reason for this season! Keeping my Joy!
Thanks, Betty. I need this reminder myself. 🙂
Wishing you blessings for the holidays.
Beautiful reminder about what the Christmas season is truly all about. Thank you for sharing your gorgeous poem, too with us!! happynowlinkup
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Janine. The poem is actually an old Christmas song, Joy to the World. It’s a beautiful symbol of the hope we received when Jesus was born — and the everlasting hope we can have through Him.
Thanks for visiting from #HappyNow