December 25 – Christmas Day

December 25
Christmas Day

Joy to the world, the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King! Let every heart prepare him room, and heav’n and nature sing, and heav’n and nature sing, and heav’n, and heav’n and nature sing.

This song is structured joy. The second half of each verse is simply the same phrase stacked on top of itself over and over until it tumbles over. It’s hard to sing without feeling some of that momentum thrumming in your chest.

“Let every heart prepare him room,” we sing. Now is the time to receive our King. Our feast is marked by great joy because of the gift we’ve been given. Although we’ve been working to increase our capacity to receive him, he still comes to us undeservedly and gratuitously. Today we find God’s grace crashing over us beyond what we’ve been preparing for, beyond even what we can grasp!

Prayer for Morning
Jesus, our Lord, you bring heaven and nature together, and we join the chorus of creation today to praise you. I trust your love to conquer my brokenness and imperfection. Jesus, my King, thank you for your deep and abiding love.

Ponder Today
What glimpses of joy—small or large—can I delight in today?

Prayer for Evening
Jesus, our Lord, you were present at creation and rule the universe—and yet you humbled yourself to join our wounded world. I offer you gratitude and praise as I contemplate the magnitude of this gift. Jesus, my King, may your love rule over me.