You know how there are some things as a child that you don’t realize you misunderstand until you revisit the idea as an adult? The phrase “prepare him room” sung in the Christmas carol, Joy to the World, is one of those for me. I would sing it as a child and not really understand what it means. I grew up in South Africa where one of the primary languages spoken is Afrikaans. And in Afrikaans, “room” is cream – like whipped cream. So, without fully realizing it, for some reason as a child I thought these lyrics meant to prepare whipped cream for Jesus. Santa gets his cookies, Jesus gets his whipped cream. Facepalm.

Obviously, as an adult, I have a much better understanding of it. But it is so important to consider this idea of preparing Him room as we enter the Advent season. Our lives already have a fast pace to them. It seems sometimes that we are moving a million miles a minute. And as Christmas approaches, sometimes we move even faster. Working to prepare for guests, buy gifts, attend a thousand Christmas parties and events. It can be really easy to find ourselves barreling toward Christmas, and not pausing to prepare.

But today is December 1st, so take some time today or this week to prepare Him room. Room in your schedule, room in your heart and mind, room for your family to anticipate Christmas coming. Find ways to slow down this month and be filled with wonder at the good news that the promised Savior came as He said He would and will come again.

Here are some resources I have chosen for our family this year:

Here are the links to the above resources:

Good News of Great Joy by John Piper (Amazon)

Family Advent Guide 2021 by Lifeway Kids (free download)

This is a season of great anticipation for the believer, so I pray as you look ahead at this month, you can find ways to slow down and reflect on God’s goodness and His faithfulness to do what He has promised.