MAKE ROOM FOR JESUS!

Luke 2: 7b"… because there was no place for them in the inn.”

WHY? Why no room for them? How awful to have traveled all this way, uncomfortable with the final days of pregnancy, probably hungry and tired, probably looking quite shabby . I can imagine the crowded town as people gathered for the census, everyone looking for their space to tie up their animals and find a place for the night. But wouldn’t you think, seeing a very pregnant woman, someone would have taken pity of them?

For us, in this story, this family is precious. Although we know their circumstances. It’s hard to think that our Lord was not born in better surroundings. We live in a Purrell world with dispensers at every turn, ShopRite, WalMart, schools, etc. We are bombarded with cleanliness. I don’t see any of that in this story - it wasn’t a part of that time. Sometimes the story seems complicated by our standards. But as told in the Bible - it fits their world in the physical sense and continues to fit all time in the spiritual.

Would we have taken them in - perfect strangers? The innkeeper’s decision was not a surprise.

We have the opportunity to take Jesus in. To take him into our hearts. I’m not talking only about only this time of year, but always, everyday, continually. We need to. He’s there for us, everyday, in everyway.

THE WONDER by Gene Griffin

Oh! The wonder, the majesty of that glorious night!
When Heaven’s star shown so bright!
A little babe lay in a manger still,
Born in time to do His Father’s will.

Was this the One promised of old?
Was this the One the prophets foretold?
Was this the King of glory?
Is this babe the Subject of the gospel story?

Yes! God the Son in humility is born!
In human flesh, but the world met Him with scorn.
The King of kings, the Lord of lords is here;
Yet, sinful mankind didn’t hold Him dear.

Was there room for Him in the inn?
Alas! Sadly no room for Him in the hearts of men!
Why was there no room for Glory’s King?
The One about whom the angels sing.

But is there room for Him in my heart?
Oh, come Lord Jesus and never depart!
My heart’s door is open for Thee to fill;
Make me a channel of blessing to do Thy will.

Oh, Savior to whom shall we go?
The soul’s longing to fully know?
Oh, Lord thou art my satisfying desire!
Come, Heaven’s Gift, set my heart on fire!

Glorious King, thou laid aside Thy crown,
Precious Savior, Thou didst come down.
The gift of heaven has come to earth!
Come, ye people, let us celebrate His birth!

Thank you Lord for sending us your son Jesus. Amen