Read:
Luke 2:7 “She gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.”
Think:
In the hustle and bustle of December, it often feels like the whole world is crowded and crazy. The malls, grocery stores, and our hearts and minds—everything seems saturated and stuffed. We're already overwhelmed, and December has just begun.
But it's essential to remember that there wasn't much room for Jesus on the day he was born, either. The innkeepers didn't realize that the Creator of the universe was about to enter this world when Mary and Joseph were knocking at their door. In the humblest of settings, Jesus' mother gave birth in a stable, perhaps next to a sheep, delivering the King of kings in a barn. Instead of a plush, luxurious blanket, she wrapped him in strips of clothes and laid him in a manger—a feeding trough.
As we find ourselves swept up in the busyness and frenzy of the season, let's take a moment to slow down and make room for Jesus. It's easy to go through the motions without truly mentally and spiritually showing up to worship him. Let's not reduce Jesus to a mere item to check off our to-do list; instead, let's focus on the profound significance of this season and who it is all about. Let's be aware of the One who is knocking at our door.
Apply:
Reflect on your own life and the crowded nature of this season. Ask yourself how you can create more room for Jesus amidst the busyness. Consider practical steps, like setting aside time for prayer, church, and serving others.
Pray:
Jesus, you came into the world, not in a palace, but in a stable, to be close to the hearts of ordinary people. We confess that our lives can often be crowded, and we sometimes forget to make room for you. In this season of celebration, help us to slow down and create space in our hearts and minds to truly worship you. May we not just check Jesus off our to-do lists but focus on the significance of your birth. In Jesus' name. Amen.