Prepare Him Room

“Let every heart prepare Him room.” – from the carol “Joy to the World”

“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.’” – Luke 2:10 (NIV)

“Be still, and know that I am God.” – Psalm 46:10 (NIV)

Every year, it seems Christmas sneaks up on me. I tell myself I’ll be ready this time—I’ll plan ahead, shop early, and slow down long enough to truly enjoy the season. But then life happens. One day I’m putting away the fall decorations, and the next, I’m bombarded by Christmas commercials, glittering store aisles, and friends posting pictures of their perfectly decorated trees.

I glance at the calendar and realize December is almost here, yet my heart isn’t ready. My home might soon be trimmed in lights and garland, but inside, I feel unprepared.

That familiar line from Joy to the World echoes softly in my mind: “Let every heart prepare Him room.” What does that really mean?

It means clearing away the clutter—both physical and spiritual—that keeps me distracted from the true reason for this season. It’s not about having the perfect gifts or the prettiest tree. It’s about making room in my heart for the One who came humbly to save us.

As I think about preparing my home for Christmas—cleaning, decorating, cooking—I’m reminded that I need to prepare my heart as well. I want to set aside quiet moments to humble myself before the Lord, to dig into His Word, and to let His Spirit renew the joy of my salvation.

When I stop striving and simply be still (Psalm 46:10), I find peace. The noise of the world fades, and I hear His gentle whisper reminding me that Christmas is about Christ—about love that came down to dwell among us.

This year, I don’t want Christmas to sneak up on me. I want to experience it differently—to invite Jesus into every corner of my heart and home.

So as these final weeks before Christmas unfold, I’m asking God to show me how to prepare Him room—to open my eyes to His presence, my hands to His service, and my heart to His peace.

Heavenly Father,

As the Christmas season approaches, help me to slow down and truly make room for You. Clear away the distractions that keep me from focusing on Your Son. Fill my heart with anticipation, not for presents or plans, but for Your presence. Teach me to prepare You room—in my thoughts, in my actions, and in my home. May this Christmas be less about doing and more about being still before You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.