Prepare Him Room…

Did Joseph tell Mary he could find no decent room in Bethlehem for her to give birth?  Or did she just know by the look on his face when he returned from the last place he’d tried? They had to be disappointed…and exhausted.  They’d traveled a long way to the tiny village just to show up for a Roman census. Now, they faced resting with the livestock and placing a newborn into a feeding trough. No bassinet. Definitely no Pack-n-Play.

Do you ever wonder how people could have been so insensitive to a couple in their situation?  Surely, their dire need could have been sized up with just one look at Mary’s burgeoning tummy.  I’d like to think I would have come up with some alternative to the animal cave. I’d like to think I would have done anything to make room for Jesus. Yet, I’m not so sure I would have.  I don’t always make room for Him now.

The prelude to Christmas keeps me so busy.  There are meals to make…cookies to bake…and shopping trips to take.  There are lights to hang…trees to decorate…presents to wrap.  If I’m not mindful, I can allow Christmas to come and go without even pondering my Savior’s birth for more than a few moments. Over the years, I’ve learned that making room for Jesus requires my intentional efforts.  I must set aside definite times on my mind’s calendar to remember Him. And, I must engage in activities that gratefully acknowledge He’s still The Reason for the season! Here are several things I’m doing this year to invite Him into the inn of my heart:

1) Reading the Gospel of Luke (which contains a detailed account of Jesus’ birth). 2) Setting up a nativity scene for my granddaughter and me to play with. 3) Hanging “Adorn-a-ments” on our tree showing various names for Jesus, such as the Door, the Bread of Life, the Light of the World. 4) Shopping for a non-profit charity that exalts Jesus’ name. 5) Telling the nativity story using Mickey Mouse Clubhouse character hand puppets! 6) Attending Christmas worship services.

After reconsidering the plight of Joseph and Mary, I’m determined to make extra room this December for the Baby who grew up to save me…for the One who gave His life in exchange for mine.  What are you doing to invite Jesus into your Christmas? I’d love to know! You can tell me in the comments section below.