Advent is all about preparing a place for the redeemer in your heart in the weeks before Christmas, and I’m feeling how tempting it is to overcomplicate this simple task.

Think of how truly unprepared the world was for Jesus’ birth — which was the whole point of his coming, after all! The world was not ready, would never be ready for the love Jesus came to give.  If we’d have known, if we’d have received the memo, we humans would have royally messed it up with all manner of pomp and circumstance. Instead, God chose a manger, cold and dark, for his son’s grand entrance. How perfect, small, and humble a space… a reminder that all the Lord wants is space to live in your heart and life; just a little space in his lowly servant to do something amazing.

Today at church, our pastor’s message was about the two assignments in each and every life. The first is a professional assignment, a physical vocation, that thing you’re good at and that you know how to do. The other one is a spiritual assignment.

He preached on Joseph, Mary’s betrothed, a master craftsman in a highly-regarded trade whom God called to be a part of something bigger and messier, requiring humility and bravery beyond anything he’d ever imagined.

You might think you’re not cut out for that, but you are. Everyone is called to figure this out for herself. Your unique assignment is simple: to allow God to do amazing things in and through you. Although it’s simple, it’s never easy, but it’s worth it.

Don’t worry if your heart space is “good enough” for the King. God chose a dirty manger for Jesus’ birth, so certainly your heart is just perfect as it is. Perfect enough. All you have to do is open the door and let him in.

Just look at the kids. Little children are joyful. When I can’t seem to make any room in my heart for one more thing, I see a kiddo with his eyes bright and smiling, just soaking in the wonder of it all… with a full heart!

What a squalid and dreary world it would be without the hope of redemption! That’s what I don’t want to forget in all the busy-ness of the season. The running around, the events and schedules and travel plans and ship-by dates, etc. can dull your enjoyment and remembrance of the nativity story. Try to be like a child, open to wonder and delight, and make a little space in your heart to celebrate the true meaning of the season.

Preparing your heart for wonder is really as simple as lifting the latch. You could be in for a bigger surprise than you imagined!