by 
Friday, December 2
So come, our Sovereign; enter in!
From Lift Up Your Heads, O Mighty Gates
By Rev. Arlene Franks
Advent, as we know, is a time of anticipation and preparation. We are anticipating the arrival of the Messiah, and we are preparing our hearts and lives for Christ to enter in.
This 17th century hymn is based on Psalm 24, in which David calls the people to prepare the city of Jerusalem for the arrival of the Ark of the Covenant. “Open the gates of the city, so that the Lord may enter!” the Psalm implores.”Let God dwell here and be your Lord.” This hymn uses the imagery of opening the gates of the city and calls us to open the gates of our hearts so that Jesus the Christ may enter and dwell within us. When we sing this hymn, we invite the Savior in:
“So come, my Sovereign, enter in! Let new and nobler life begin! Thy Holy Spirit, guide us on, until the glorious crown be won.”
This Advent, will you let Christ in? Will you make room for the Savior in your hearts, in your lives, in your homes? Will you bring a Christian heart with you to your workplace, while running errands, when you’re shopping? Finally, will you share the heart of Christ with the people you meet each day—your family, your children’s teachers, your co-workers, friends and even strangers? We have no greater gift to give the Christ Child but ourselves. Be the most wonderful gift you can be.
Prayer: Come, our sovereign enter in; make us vessels of your love and grace. Let us share Your gift with the world. Amen.
