“Did He Get In?”

This Sunday begins the Advent Season, approaching the promised coming of Jesus Christ. The Apostle John in his Gospel text tells us that Jesus would come into the world -that He was in the world, and “the world was made through Him, yet the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own people did not receive Him. But to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God….”       John 1

A Devotion for the 1st week of the Advent Season:       

 “Did He Get In?”

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock.”    Revelation 3:20

In the well-known picture of Jesus knocking at the door, the artist has skillfully arranged the lights and shadows to form the outline of a heart, indicating that Jesus is asking entrance into the heart. When a little girl saw this picture, she asked, “Did He get in?”

Today many people refuse to answer their doorbell. Perhaps they are fearful of what stands on the other side or they’re simply too busy to bother. The executive is often “out” when he doesn’t care to see a visitor. We don’t want our privacy invaded. We tend to isolate ourselves from others… and sadly, our highly sophisticated technology allows us to do just that!

When Jesus knocks at the door of men’s hearts, He often finds that people don’t want to let Him in. St. John speaks of this in the words of his Gospel: “He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, yet the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own people did not receive Him. But to all who received Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.” (John 1:10-12)

If Jesus were a meddler, an obnoxious person, a bore, a persistent salesman, or a nuisance, we might understand why some people might refuse to open their hearts to Him. But, my friends, He comes with blessings! He comes to bring peace, joy, and life to those who let Him in –who open their ears to His Word, their mouths to sing His praise, and their hearts that He may live therein.

This is Advent. Christ is coming -whether that means we celebrate His birth to a virgin mother or stay alert to His coming in the clouds with great power and glory. This is Advent and Jesus stands at the door and knocks. Will He get in?

The Psalmist sings a song that we may join in singing: “Lift up your heads, O gates! And be lifted up, O ancient doors! that the King of glory may come in! Who is this King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty…. The Lord of Hosts, He is the King of glory.”  (Psalm 24:7-10)

The coming days are a time of joyful anticipation. Christ is coming! Already He knocks at the door of your heart that He may come in and be your Savior.

We pray:        Come into my heart, Lord Jesus, it is completely Yours.   Stay with me and bless me. Amen.