Preparing Our Hearts This Christmas: 30 Days to Make Room for Jesus!: Week 3

Welcome to Week 3 of the ETW study, Preparing Our Hearts This Christmas: 30 Days to Make Room for Jesus! I hope that you are discovering ways to not just make room for Jesus, but to make Him the center of your celebration! Without Jesus, there is no reason for celebrations. So we must remember Him, because He brought joy to the world. 

(Link to the FREE Devotional Guide at the end of this email)

In this week’s devotional guide, we will study the Magnificat, Mary’s Song. This beautiful praise comes from a humble heart that said yes to God’s plan. We can connect it to another powerful hymn: Hannah’s song. Both women, though separated by time, reveal truths about surrender, faith, and the magnificence of God’s grace.

Hannah, unable to bear children, poured out her heart to the Lord in 1 Samuel 2:1-10. Her song, born from personal struggle and recognition of God’s sovereignty, celebrates the Lord’s faithfulness. She exclaims, “My heart rejoices in the Lord,” mirroring Mary’s proclamation, “My soul magnifies the Lord” (Luke 1:46).

Both songs illustrate worship that flows from surrendered hearts. Hannah honored God after receiving a child, while Mary embraced her role as the mother of the Messiah. Their responses teach us that true worship emerges from humility and acknowledgment of God’s greatness, regardless of our circumstances.

As we reflect on these songs, let’s ask ourselves: How are we responding to God’s movement in our lives? Are we, like Hannah and Mary, ready to praise even when the road seems uncertain? 

Mary proclaims, “Praise the Lord! For He has looked with favor on the humble state of His servant” (Luke 1:48), reminding us that God chooses those who say “yes.” Hannah echoes this with, “The Lord will judge the ends of the earth” (1 Samuel 2:10). Both understand their stories are part of God’s greater narrative.

This week, as we make room for Jesus, let’s cultivate a heart of gratitude and expectancy, surrendering to God’s plan and trusting His faithful hand. May our songs of praise always rise to our Savior.

As always, you can engage with this study in various ways:

• Follow the ETW: “Preparing Our Hearts This Christmas” reading/writing plan.
• Download the FREE Devotional Guide, which includes observation questions and daily Pause, Prayer, Practice, and Praise reflection prompts to guide you in studying God’s Word. Day 7 of each week is a catch-up day. Engage with related scripture using the D.W.E.L.L. Bible Study method or any method you prefer. Or spend the day exploring other areas of study that speak to you.

>>>> Download Week One ​HERE​! <<<<

>>>> Download Week Two ​HERE​! <<<<

>>>> Download Week Three ​HERE​! <<<<

• Like and follow Sparrow’s Song on Facebook for additional content.

Invite your friends, family, and church community to gather with you as we open our hearts and make room for Jesus together. Let’s share fellowship, encouragement, and hope as we welcome His presence into our lives. Grab your people, your Bible study materials, and bring an open heart to make room for Jesus! 

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit, you may abound in hope. —Romans 15:13

Your friend in the journey, 

Remember: The Word W.O.R.K.S. We are walking in Wholeness, Obedience, Righteousness, and Kingdom Success through the Word of God.