How lovely is your dwelling place, O Lord Almighty. Even the sparrow finds a home there, and the swallow builds her nest and raises her young--at a place near your altar. Psalm 84:1-3
Hello Dear One,
How are you this morning? Tired? Stressed? Well, it’s that time of the year. It’s Advent and time to put up the tree, go shopping for just the right gifts, decorate the front Hello door, bake cookies, and on and on. Just thinking about all the preparations that must be done along with all the usual daily tasks that still loom large makes me stressed. Just thinking about my lists brings me anxiety.
I was wondering if you and I are spending as much time preparing our hearts to receive the Christ child. Oft times, a nest is used as a symbol of how the “Word of God was made flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:24). We are to be receivers of the Word as nests are receivers of new life. A hummingbird’s nest is the smallest among the bird population measuring about one inch across. At the other extreme, the Dusky Scrubfowl’s nest is more than 34 feet in diameter and stands 15 feet tall. Whatever the kind of nest or size, they are a sacred dwelling place prepared to receive the gift of life.
Jesus comes to us in the midst of our everyday lives and asks us to create space for him where he has never been before, or never made to feel welcome, or treated as a priority. All of us are meant to know the joy of nesting the Christ within our hearts. Be still. Be quiet. Be alert. Get into the spirit of the Old Testament people and yearn for a Savior. Open your heart. Be receptive. Welcome the one who comes as a babe at Christmas. Remember that it is in your heart-nest that Jesus longs to dwell. Have you prepared a place for Him?
Prayer: Come into my heart, Lord Jesus. Come in today. Come into stay. I’m ready to receive you with Love. Amen.
Preparing my home and heart,
Linda
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