Make Room for Jesus

“For to us a child is born,

    to us a son is given,

    and the government will be on his shoulders.

And he will be called

    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” —Isaiah 9:6

Every Thanksgiving weekend, our family gathers together for one of our favorite traditions.  Throughout the year we purchase new ornaments for our tree that come from a place we have visited or represents some other special memory from the previous twelve months. On the chosen night, we cook a special meal while the family unpacks each ornament and recounts the memory behind it. By the time we are done, the tree is crowded. And yet every year we find room for just a few more ornaments and a few more special memories to share.

Kathy and I have often said these ornaments would be one of the few things we would try to rescue if our house was on fire. Not because of any intrinsic value but because of the special memories they hold in our hearts.

When Jesus was born, there was no room for Him at the inn. And today, many save no room for Him in their hearts. Sadly, for many Christ has been removed completely from the celebration of His birth at Christmas.

It seems to me the appropriate response is for all of us to make extra room for Christ this Christmas in order to help compensate for those who would ignore Him. While we are at it, we should strive to share the joy of the Christ Child every chance we get.

My prayer for you this season is that you might take time in the midst of your celebrations to remember and worship the infant Jesus.

May your Christmas be merry and your New Year full of His perfect blessings.