December 23 Got Room?

Luke 2: 6-7 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
 
“THERE was no room for them in the inn.” That’s always bugged me. How could anyone turn a very pregnant woman from an inn and, instead, show her a stable to spend the night? What kind of culture was this to keep a pregnant woman from a nice bed? Somebody should have said, “Here. You can have my room. I’ll gladly give it up for you.” But no one did.
   There was no room for Mary, Joseph and no room for Jesus. That’s always bothered me, too. What kind of culture is the world to reject its Creator? How can we shut Jesus out, turn him away from our cold heart? He has so much warmth, love and peace to give. His ears listen; his hands heal. Even more his mouth speaks forgiveness and grace. His feet walk among the physically and spiritually poor. Mercifully, his eyes look into your eyes to invite, “Come, follow me.”
   But there’s hesitation. We love what Jesus offers. Even so, we’re not sure what or when we want to give back to him. We may even be prone to reply, “No room, Jesus. My schedule is full. I’m not ready, yet. Check down the street.”
   On that night in Bethlehem Jesus came knocking at the world’s door, and only a few poor shepherds came to see. But the gracious, wonderful thing is, he’s still knocking. Jesus hasn’t quit. Through the Holy Spirit the risen Lord still acts to open countless souls to his saving blood. In the power of God, our Lord Jesus is knocking on your life to say, “Let’s go show the world my love and peace. Let’s listen to people’s needs. The culture of the entire world needs healing, forgiveness and grace. We can walk among the nations to offer eternal wealth to the physically and spiritually poor.”
   Do you hear Jesus knocking? How will you respond? Will you lock the door more tightly? Or will you step out to join him as you declare, “Here, I have plenty of room in my life for you.”
 
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I offer you more room in my life today. In your name I trust, amen.