Daily devotional · December 15
Lift Up Your Heads, O Gates
“The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof, the world and all who dwell therein. For He has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters. Who may ascend the hill of the LORD? Who may stand in His holy place? He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear deceitfully. He will receive blessing from the LORD and vindication from the God of his salvation. Such is the generation of those who seek Him, who seek Your face, O God of Jacob. Selah Lift up your heads, O gates! Be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of Glory may enter! Who is this King of Glory? The LORD strong and mighty, the LORD mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O gates! Be lifted up, O ancient doors, that the King of Glory may enter! Who is He, this King of Glory? The LORD of Hosts— He is the King of Glory.Selah”
This psalm begins with a large claim: the whole earth and everything in it belongs to the Lord. Then it asks who may climb His hill, and answers with clean hands and a pure heart, people who do not deceive. Finally, the tone becomes a processional: gates are commanded to lift up so the King of glory may enter. Advent is that entrance. The King is coming, and the question is whether the gates of our hearts and homes are open. Many of us keep certain rooms closed, a strained relationship, a private habit, a worry we say is handled. Today, choose one gate to open. Perhaps forgive someone, make a phone call you have delayed, or confess a small dishonesty. Then say aloud the psalm's welcome: come in, King of glory. Let this week's preparation be less about decorations and more about doors.
Prayer
King of glory, I open the doors of my heart. Come in and make Your home with me. Amen.