Room Enough for Jesus

Room Enough for Jesus

Today’s Passage:  Luke 2:7

"And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn." 

Words of Devotion from the Scripture

One of the first words that come to mind when most of us think about the holiday season is "busy." True, but sad.

We can get so busy decorating the house, baking goodies, shopping for presents, going to parties and sending Christmas cards. Then, just when we think we've got a handle on it, we receive an unexpected card in the mail or a plate of cookies from a neighbor. What do we do?  We find time to return the gesture.

It's usually a challenge, but somehow we find time and make room to do all sorts of things during the holidays.

We make room for company to come. We make room for a Christmas tree in front of the picture window. We make room in our crowded schedule for activities we don't have time for.

Let's take time to consider: Have I made room for Jesus in my busy life this month?

In the familiar story of Christ's birth, I've always been bothered that there was no room in the inn for Jesus. I can't help but think didn't they know who He was? What could have been so important that they couldn't stop to make room for Jesus? My best guess is they were thinking only about themselves and their own busy agenda.

Likewise, we can become so busy with our Christmas plans that we run out of room for Jesus, too.

A tradition that I found online was a family would withhold the baby Jesus from their nativity set until Christmas morning.

One year, when the first grandson was three years old, he asked, "Grandma, where is the baby Jesus?" "He's not been born yet," she explained to him. "Jesus comes on Christmas Day. Then, you'll find Him right here," she added while pointing to the manger. Like years past, the house was full of excitement as family members arrived with arms full of presents. They expected to exchange gifts and enjoy a time for food, fun and celebration. But boy expected something different. He ran into the house shouting, "Is He here, yet? Is He here? Has Jesus come?"

The mother took her son over to the nativity and there, cradled in the manger, was baby Jesus. He had come just like He'd promised.

Over 2,000 years ago, God promised us a Savior. In a little town called Bethlehem, God kept His promise and Christ our Lord was born. While most missed what was happening that holy night, Christ's birth didn't escape the attention of heaven, a few shepherds, and some cattle. They pushed aside their duties and agendas to make room for Jesus. In fact, like the young boy, the Magi’s anticipated His arrival.

 In doing so, their lives were forever changed.

Every year Jesus still searches for hearts to fill. But He can only fill those spaces where we have left room for Him and invite Him in.

Christ's presence may go unnoticed by the world, but you and I, along with others who have made room in their hearts, can experience all the glorious wonder He brings. Let's cast aside the busyness of our lives this season to make room for Christ as we anticipate His arrival!

PRAYER: Dear Lord, the best I know how, I lay down my busy agenda to make room for You. Jesus, I don't want to miss a thing. Give me fresh eyes to see You this holiday season. I want to experience Your birth like never before so that I never close You out again. Welcome home, Lord. In Jesus' Name, Amen