Thoughts on Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room

I was surprised how petite Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room by Nancy Guthrie is, but when I started reading it, it won me over.

This slim volume about Christmas is perfectly suited for family Advent devotions. Every day has a daily devotion and Discussion Starter questions, as well as a place to record questions and comments. Occasionally there is a hymn or song, complete with words and music. This small book is completely focused on Jesus; His birth as well as His promise to come again. Saturated with Biblical truth and Scripture, this book encourages conversation. I can't wait to read this with my children this year; I know it will be well-received and a lot of fun to explore a bit more in depth what Christmas truly means and our response to that.

Here's what is written for December 21st:

"Most or us have a little list going this time of year - if not on paper, then in our heads. It's that list of what we're hoping someone might give us for Christmas. But isn't it interesting that at Christmas we get gifts on someone else's birthday? Jesus is the real birthday boy. Have you ever thought about what Jesus might want for his birthday this Christmas?

The Bible tells us hat after Jesus was born, "some wise men from eastern lands arrived in Jerusalem, asking, "Where is the newborn king of the Jews? We saw his star as it rose, and we have come to worship him." (Matthew 21:21)

An unusual star in the sky led these men to Jesus. Matthew wrote that "when they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy." (matthew 2:10, NASB, emphasis added). It's almost as if here aren't enough words to express how much joy they felt over this star that would lead them to Jesus.

When the wise men saw Jesus, they bowed down and worshiped him. And they gave him expensive gifts. Giving is part of worship. If we really admire and love the one we are worshiping, we are glad to give ourselves and whatever we have of value, to him. If Christ is the true object of our worship, then no one has to force us to worship him or give of ourselves to him. It is what we want to do.

Since it is Jesus' birthday that we celebrate at Christmas, perhaps you should consider what you could give to Jesus for his birthday present. Perhaps the gift you could give to Jesus this Christmas is to say to him from your heart, "I'm so happy you brought me to you! You are worthy of my worship, and I want you to be the King of my life. You are more precious to me than anything I own, and I gladly give you the honor you deserve." This is a gift he will enjoy."

-Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room, by Nancy Guthrie, page 60


I received this book free from Tyndale Publishing. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255