One of the great blessings of the Christmas season is the listening to and singing of carols and hymns that celebrate the birth of our Lord. Yesterday, at Faith Family Church, we started learning a new one by Sovereign Grace entitled “Prepare Him Room.” Part of the lyrics exhort:

Oh, our hearts, as busy as Bethlehem

Hear Him knock, don't say there's no room in the inn

Now I’m pretty sure, knowing what we know of the story, that none of us would have actually said to the holy couple, “Sorry guys, no room, you’ll need to find some other place.” Yet, every year we’re reminded to make room for Jesus during the holidays. How exactly does one make room for him who fills all space and is present everywhere at once? How are we to take this exhortation if we’ve already opened our hearts to Jesus? If he truly abides in us by his Spirit, it seems superfluous to say it unless we mean something else.

Obviously, the song admonishes us not to avoid getting caught up in the hustle and bustle of the season. It’s an acknowledgement that the joy of Advent is often lost in the flurry of activities and that we often fail to give Jesus the adoration he deserves. For many, Christmas is the most stressful time of year. For others it’s a time of lonely sadness and diminished hope.

So, how can we “prepare him room?” Here are three positive steps to make sure Jesus isn’t neglected in your Yuletide festivities.

1. Personally celebrate Advent in your heart.

Given the hectic pace of life at this time of year, it would be easy to neglect your personal devotions. Celebrating the season should never be a substitute for spending time with the Lord in daily prayer and Bible reading. Take time each day to celebrate the grace that brought Jesus to earth, that brought you to him, and that constantly sustains you.

Meditate on the Christmas story and ponder what it must have been like for a young couple urgently seeking a room and having to settle for a cave for the birth of Messiah. Consider all the prophecies being fulfilled, the angelic choir, and be overwhelmed by the nativity of our Lord.

2. Proactively share the good news with others.

For one thing, make a point to wish as many people as you can a “Merry Christmas.” A secular world scoffs at the miracle of Christ’s birth and actively seeks to exclude him from the holidays. Because they have no room for him we, therefore, must interject him into the conversation. You can always send meaningful Christmas cards that focus on Jesus and invite friends and coworkers to your church’s Christmas program.

3. Practice the Spirit of Christmas by giving.

“Unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given!” said the great prophet Isaiah. (Isaiah 9:6) Christmas is about giving because God gave his only Son. (John 3:16) Preparing him room means opening our hearts and hands to others in need. It means giving our service in ministry within the body of Christ and using our gifts to bless others. The best way to avoid the financial stress of the holidays is to practice biblical stewardship. Understanding the principle that God owns it all and that we are but managers of what he’s placed in our hands will free you from materialism’s nasty grip. It will help you avoid needless debt and the urge to impress others with your gifts. You’ll experience the truth of Jesus’ words, “It’s more blessed to give than to receive.” And he who gave himself should know.

Is your heart as busy as Bethlehem? Settle down to enjoy the reason of the season by spending time with the Lord, sharing the good news with others, and by practicing the spirit of Christmas giving.