Matthew 1:24-25 When Joseph woke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him: he took his wife, but knew her not until she had given birth to a son. And he called his name Jesus.
Let every heart prepare Him room, and heaven and nature sing…Have you noticed how God often calls us to do something in preparation of our prayers being answered? He seems to have designed it so that some promises won’t be realized, some victories never won, without “preparing room.”
When the army of Israel was pursuing the Moabites in the desert, they ran out of water (2 Kings 3). So they sought the prophet Elisha, who directed them to an action that must have seemed preposterous: dig ditches. He said there would be no wind or rain, but the next morning the valley would be overflowing with water. I have a feeling if they hadn’t dug the ditches, they would have missed the miracle. But they prepared by doing what God told them to do.
Elisha also instructed the poor widow whose creditors were about to take her two sons (2 Kings 4). Her only possession consisted of a small jar of oil. Elisha told her to collect all the empty jars she could find from her neighbors. When she started pouring oil from her small jar, the flow didn’t stop until every single one of those jars was filled. She sold the oil and paid her debt. She prepared for the miracle by doing what God told her to do.
And then there’s Joseph. He planned to quietly divorce Mary when he found out she was pregnant. But contrary to everything he knew to be true, he did exactly what the angel told him to do. He emptied himself of all his preconceived notions to make room for the miraculous. The incarnate. For Jesus.
So how are you doing this Christmas season? Are there situations in your life that seem impossible? Maybe God’s telling you to dig some ditches or ask people for some jars to unlock your faith. Maybe he’s calling you to listen for his voice. And do whatever he tells you to do.
According to the beloved Christmas carol, God wants us to prepare our hearts for more of him. For more of his miracle-working power and more of his incomprehensible love. Heaven and nature are doing their part. Now it’s our turn.