There’s a door I always open whenever I leave the early morning prayer meeting at church. It’s the Parlor, located in a corner of the church building. As I open the door, I’m immediately struck by the sense of peace and the elegant, vintage atmosphere that emanates from the well-preserved furniture and decorations. The abundance of morning sunlight streaming through the windows fills the room with a dazzling radiance and tranquility, as if I’m beholding the glory of God.

I love this room for several reasons, one of which is the numerous windows that cover the walls. Looking out through the wooden frames, the scenery outside comes alive, like a series of living pictures. The 18th-century-style curtains add to the room’s charm, perfectly complementing the windows. In the evening, the soft light shining through the windows reminds me of the warm glow of a lantern in my hometown, filling my heart with warmth and comfort.

The room is always tidy, with leather chairs, a baby grand piano, a small pulpit, golden candlesticks, a fireplace, and pictures on the walls… It’s as if the room is filled with the peace and serenity of a string quartet. I often compare this room to my soul.

Sometimes, I don’t want to open the door of my soul, fearing the mess and stench that might spill out. But I know that with God’s grace, I can open the door and let Him in. He’ll fix the broken furniture, straighten the tables, and tidy up the space. He’ll remove the clutter and fill the room with what’s truly necessary. Light will pour in, and warmth, peace, and joy will follow. Jesus, the Master of our lives, is knocking on the door of our souls, wanting to enter and be with us. He’s coming with a gentle, tender touch, like a young shoot. Let’s open the door of our souls and welcome Him in. This year, before we put up the sign “No Vacancy,” let’s open the door of our souls and invite the Lord in. He’ll transform our lives into a beautiful, elegant Parlor, worthy of admiration.