November. My absolute favorite month of the year is undoubtedly November. I cherish it. It is still and peaceful. The whole world seems to focus on gratitude.
Whether we admit it or not, the blessings come from God. I think a whole lot of us thank Him together in a huge way that we only see in November.
I love holidays. You might have guessed. You are reading a blog named after the lyrics to a Christmas hymn, after all.
Let every heart prepare Him room, and Heaven and nature sing!
And Heaven and nature sing! And Heav’n and Heav’n and nature sing!!!”
~Joy to the World
Christmas is my favorite holiday. This is the understatement of all statements. Thanksgiving is my second favorite holiday. We have family traditions for both. I don’t go half-way with either of these celebrations. No halfsies here. I’m all in it to win it. Rumor has it that I skip Thanksgiving. This is not so.
…but December? It is a busy time of year for me. Likely it is for you too, right?
It is wonderful! It’s a wonderful life. (I couldn’t resist.) It is not quiet or still, however.
I’m sure you have your own list of gatherings to host and traditions to spear-head. Everyone I know is relatively busier in December and I think most of that is quite alright.
But when do we prepare room for Jesus? When does our heart do that?
My heart does that in November. …and in the moments of carols that worship Jesus in December, but mostly, in November.
My heart prepares Him room in every season. That is the goal, of course.
November is different. I am extra intentional in November.
While I am focusing on the ways God has provided and living as a noticer of His gifts? While I am counting my blessings and giving thanks? It leads so perfectly into a heart of gratitude for His most precious gift, Jesus.
In my heart, in my life, in my home: Thanksgiving and Advent weave together in a simultaneous beauty. Perfect harmony.
November is a gift. So still. So meaningful. November prepares my heart for worship. I make room.
Let every heart prepare Him room.
Yeah, it’s true–that quirkiness that my friends all know too well. It’s time to tell you, too. If you visit my house in November, you will see a Christmas tree in the living room and a construction-papered Thankfulness Tree taped to the coat closet door only feet away. I do both, but my heart misses neither. Sometimes, it is what we do that matters most.
However November settles best in your home, I hope you will focus on Jesus. Be thankful. Be a noticer of God’s gifts. Decorate however you would like: now or later. Play the Christmas tunes now, later, or both. Those things don’t matter.
Just don’t miss it: the season of thanks and joy.
Prepare Him room. May it be so.
Let every heart.
As the leaves fall today, I drive through town with the song playing from a choir’s rehearsal tunes. “Noel, noel! Come and see what God has done.” My heart prepares.
From my thankful heart to yours, ~Courtney
Happy November, sweet friends!
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