Enter His Gates

While we waited in line at the gate, her eyes filled with excitement as she looked around in anticipation. I had tried to prepare her for what to expect at Disney’s Magic Kingdom in Orlando. It was the first time my mom went to a theme park.  Once inside the theme park, my mom could no longer contain her excitement when she saw several Disney Characters in costume.

Mom: Olu, these people have gone far.

Mom: Are these real people under the costumes?

Me: Yes, they are real people.

My mom took in the sights and sounds in wonder and awe. Once we entered the gates at Disney, we could feel the magic and excitement in the air. We met Cinderella in her castle, Mickey and Minnie, and other Disney Characters. However, the best part was the Christmas show. My mom said it was her favorite.

In a few weeks, many of us will take in the wonder and awe of Christmas as we celebrate the birthday of Jesus. Perhaps, you’ve already decorated your Christmas tree, and your plans for buying presents, wrapping gifts, baking, and cooking are all in place.

However, this Christmas season, the Lord desires us to come into His courts. Just as my family enjoyed the magic and fun of Disney, He wants us to enter His gates and behold the majesty of heaven while enjoying the sights and sounds.

No tickets required.

No long lines either.

We have direct access.

Come as you are.

As we enter the Advent season, let’s choose to enter His gates unhurriedly and release our distractions, troubles, and trials.

He gently awaits us inside the gates. As we enter and are ushered into his divine presence, we  hear the angels sound as they worship,

Holy, Holy, Holy

is the Lord God Almighty,

who was and is and is to come. (Revelation 4:8)

His peace washes over us and His calming presence soothes our fears. His love, goodness, and mercy surround us as we linger in His presence.

How to Enter His gates

• Be intentional. Block out time to meet Him.
• Worship, sing hymns, and songs.
• Meditate on His word, pray and give thanks.

A practical and intentional way to give thanks, could be writing down at least one thing you are thankful for each day.

How will you center your thoughts on Christ this Advent season? In what ways will you intentionally choose to Enter His gates and come into His presence?

Prayer: Lord, you alone are worthy to receive glory and honor. In the season’s busyness, help us enter your gates and worship you. Give us eyes to behold your majesty. Fill our hearts with wonder and grant us your peace, rest and joy. Amen.

Watch Chris Tomlin’s Majesty of Heaven here

Scripture: Revelation 4:1, 11,  21:2, 21, Psalm 100:4