As soon as Thanksgiving is over and the delicious turkey is eaten, many families start decorating their Christmas trees and hanging lights to prepare for Christmas. This may seem a bit early in terms of time, but according to the church calendar, the first Sunday of December marks the beginning of Advent—a four-week period to prepare for the celebration of Jesus' birth, reflect on His grace, and anticipate His return.

Today is the second Sunday of Advent. I believe that many believers are reflecting on the purpose of the Lord Jesus’ incarnation and coming to the world, reviewing the words and deeds of the Lord Jesus Christ and His great salvation. Through devotion, repentance, prayer, and waiting, they prepare to celebrate His birth.

Our loving Lord came into the world as the true light to illuminate all people. He dwelt among us, full of grace and truth. Yet, as John 1:11 says, “He came to His own, and His own people did not receive Him.” The honorable Lord could only be born in a stable in Bethlehem, laid in a manger because there was no room in the inn.

As we prepare to celebrate the birth of our Lord, let us reflect together: is there room in our hearts for the Lord so that He can reside in us and guide our lives? What fills our hearts? Is it the pursuit of material things or self-gratification, or envy and strife? May the Lord have mercy and help us empty ourselves of thoughts and desires that displease our God. Let the Lord’s Word, the teachings of the Holy Spirit, and the Father’s love fill our hearts. Let there be room in our hearts for the Lord, inviting Jesus to reside in us. May the hope, peace, joy, and harmony brought by the birth of the Lord Jesus fill our lives.
(Translated by the translation team)