Joy to the world the Lord is come
Let earth receive her King
Let ev’ry 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
Joy to the World 1719
By: Isaac Watts (1674 – 1748)
Listen to this modern acapella version of this carol as you prepare to ponder the lyrics. Please make certain to enjoy the video below.
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Everyone enjoy this podcast and transcript below! It features meditative music and moments to contemplate the Scriptures and reflections shared.
Transcript may be found below, at the end of the blog.
As we begin our journey through this carol in which we call the whole earth to worship, let’s make certain we are diligent about doing that as well. Let’s think about this.
Every Heart Prepare Him Room
No room in the inn. Jerusalem was crowded because of the census so it makes sense on one level. But to think that the King of Kings had no place to rest His head other than a manger seems inconceivable.
Of course, part of the plan of the Father was to demonstrate that He was willing to go to extreme measures to show us He had made a way for His presence to come to all, even those of the humblest, lowest state. That is good news for us because we all come to that very place, the end of ourselves, before we are in a position to make the room necessary for Him to enter. Even still that entrance must not be the only time we make room.
We must continue to make room for Him. It requires a conscious effort because there are so many things that compete with that affection. We make room in our hearts for Him, and then we must keep making room.
Let ev’ry heart prepare Him room
And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. Luke 2:7 ESV
No room in the inn meant the King slept in a manger. No room for Him in our lives means we are the ones not finding the rest He has made available. How will you make room in this busy season to welcome Jesus into your heart? It will require some space, and some time.
Welcoming a King with a parade or banquet is common. Welcoming a King by yielding your entire life including eternity is not. This is however exactly how our King must be received, offering Him not just room in our heart, but its throne. Our heart must become His throne room.
RESONATE!
Take a few moments think about what might be crowding Jesus from His rightful place in Your heart. Determine to make the room for Him to demonstrate He is indeed your King. Make this your simple prayer “Jesus, make my heart Your throne.”
Heaven and Nature Sing
There is coming a day when the heavens, the earth, the sea, the field and even all the trees of the forest will offer praise. It is hard to imagine what that will be like, and exactly what our place will be in that. All the more reason why we should practice now every chance we get so when those moments come we will be ready.
And heav’n and heav’n and nature sing
Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it; let the field exult, and everything in it! Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy. Psalm 96:11-12 ESV
Heaven and nature will be certain to sing, rejoice, roar, and exult. Will you join in, participating in the praise, or will you be found simply spectating instead? We offer a call to worship when we sing the carol, but make sure you are continuing the praise through the season, and beyond.
When our heart becomes His throne room, joining all heaven and nature singing His praises becomes the only appropriate response, and one we long to do. Do you love to sing to your King? If not, ask the Spirit to reveal why. Maybe there is an issue in the throne room.
RESONATE!
Take a few moments and consider how you will sing. Of course, part of that is in this season, but even that song can be empowered with that thought that one day you will be a part of the symphony of creation in praise to the Lord. Is there anything keeping you from offering that worship now? Ask Him, “Spirit, is there an issue in my throne room?”
Jesus, thank You for reminding me that I need to make room for You and offer my praise to You. Both require awareness and diligence. Help me through this season and beyond to practice these disciplines. In Jesus name. Amen.
Intentional Thinking!
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Podcast 47.1 Transcript
Welcome to Thursday Thoughts at Resonant 7, where we reflect on the reality of God and resolve to let it resound in our lives, repeatedly. Let’s think about this.
Joy to the world the Lord is come
…the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:10-11 ESV
Good news of great joy indeed. God’s people had longed for the Messiah and in this angelic proclamation they learned He had arrived. He was the anointed King, come in the form of a baby, to deliver them from their sins. Imagine what it must have been like to hear that news.
Let earth receive her King
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth; break forth into joyous song and sing praises!…With trumpets and the sound of the horn make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord! Psalm 98:4, 6 ESV
The King had come, but they were not ready for Him. Not on that holy night, and not even years later when He preached good news and healed the sick. What does it mean to receive the King? Certainly there should be praise. How will you make a joyful noise this Christmas?
Let ev’ry heart prepare Him room
And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. Luke 2:7 ESV
No room in the inn meant the King slept in a manger. No room for Him in our lives means we are the ones not finding the rest He has made available. How will you make room in this busy season to welcome Jesus into your heart? It will require some space, and some time.
And heav’n and heav’n and nature sing
Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it; let the field exult, and everything in it! Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy. Psalm 96:11-12 ESV
Heaven and nature will be certain to sing, rejoice, roar, and exult. Will you join in, participating in the praise, or will you be found simply spectating instead? We offer a call to worship when we sing the carol, but make sure you are continuing the praise through the season, and beyond.
Take a few moments to talk to Jesus about what has come to your mind, or listen to what He is saying to you, then I will read our text once more.
Joy to the world the Lord is come
Let earth receive her King
Let ev’ry 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
Take the mindfulness of God’s presence cultivated in these last few minutes into the next ones and beyond. Until next time,Be Resonant.
The post Intentional Space and Purposeful Praise appeared first on Resonant 7.
Image Attribution
All I Have Needed Thy Hand Hath Provided – https://pixabay.com/photos/jesus-christ-hand-resurrection-4676641/
Great Is Thy Faithfuness Lord Unto Me – https://pixabay.com/photos/hands-hand-together-prayer-5216585/
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