No Room at the Inn

Our plans were made ahead of time. The five of us were going to go to my grandma's house, take her out to dinner and then join her for a candlelight service at her church. She has attended this church for twenty-six years and this is the first time she has attended a Christmas Eve service. She always tags along with us and does what we have planned.

On the Loose turned out to be sick today (still!) so he and hubby stayed home while the big kids and I carried out the rest of the plan. Our dinner was tasty and the service was lovely. Lots of beautiful Scripture readings and singing of carols that nearly brought tears to my eyes.

As the account of Jesus' birth was being read from Luke, I was struck by the words that there was no room for them in the inn. Can you imagine? Turning away Immanuel--God with us? I wonder if any of those who turned away the Lord that night realized later what they had done. I wonder if any of them eventually trusted Him as their Savior.

Isn't it like the world? We are all so busy and so concerned with our own lives, our own needs, our own busyness, our own...how many times have we, effectively, told Him that there is no room for Him in our "inn?" I am so thankful that He has invaded my life and that He dwells with me but how often to I still turn Him away?

He humbled Himself taking on human flesh to save His people from their sins. Is there room for Him?

He grew in knowledge, stature and wisdom before God and men. Is there room for Him?

He displayed His power by His miracles. He turned water into wine, calmed the storm, healed the sick, raised the dead. Is there room for Him?

He ministered to the less fortunate. He loved them and comforted them. Is there room for Him?

He ate with the sinners and extended His grace to them. Is there room for Him?

He called the little children unto Himself. Is there room for Him?

He subjected Himself to a painful and humiliating death offering Himself as a sacrifice for us. Is there room for Him?

He raised Himself from the dead so that we might be justified before the Father in heaven. He offers us eternal life in His very presence. Is there room for Him?

As we remember the baby in the manger today, may we be ever mindful that God became flesh and dwelt among us that we might become children of God. He gave Himself for us that we might be reconciled to Him. Make room for Jesus. Let Him have your whole heart and love Him with all of your heart, your soul, your mind and your strength.

Merry Christmas, friends. May the peace of the Lord enrich your sould as you make room for Him this Chrsitmas!