I make time for lots of activities during the holidays. Decorating, baking, visiting with family, sending Christmas cards, volunteering, going to parties. I love this time of year! But some years I get so busy I forget what’s important about Christmas. It becomes all about the what and less about the why. Lately, God’s been asking me if I’ve made room for Him. Will I start the day with Him as the priority and set aside my (long) to-do list?

Will I let my heart prepare Him room? He reminds me daily that He stands at the door and knocks, but I have to invite Him in. I must make room.

As I read the familiar words of the Christmas Story, it becomes quite clear who did and didn’t make room for Jesus two thousand years ago.

• Mary made room. When the angel came to her and brought the biggest God Dare of all time, she didn’t hesitate. She made room, she opened her heart, her life, her body, and her future and gave Him a place to grow. Literally.
• Joseph wasn’t so sure at first and really, who could blame him? Looking at the situation from the outside, he seems justified in his initial resistance. It took an angel and a powerful dream to convince him this was God’s divine design. So, Joseph made room too.
• The innkeeper, though he’s never specifically mentioned, just the words, “..because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:7), clearly didn’t make room. Too many other voices clamored and he just wasn’t willing to make space for a laboring woman. So, he shut the door in Joseph’s face. Sadly, the world still shuts the door. I guess it’s always been one by one and heart by heart that love grows.
• The shepherds, (O how I love them so), made room. They eagerly received the angel’s message and searched out the babe wrapped in swaddling cloths lying in a manger. The searched, they found, they worshipped and made room. Then, best of all, they spread the good news.
• Even before they saw Him, the wise men made room. Somehow they just knew they were seeking a king and they brought gifts befitting royalty. Gold and fragrant incense. Then they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy when they saw Him. They bowed down and worshipped and gave priceless treasure to….a toddler! Yet they knew He was a king.

He still stands at the door and knocks. Can you sense it? This time of year when songs of joy and truth invade grocery stores and gas stations, you feel Him more keenly than ever. Truth saturates the atmosphere as the divine descends into our profane world. One by one, heart by heart saying, yes, I have room. That’s how love grows.

My prayer for you this Christmas? May your heart eagerly desire to prepare Him room. Mine and yours dear friend.

How are you preparing your heart to make Him room this year? How do you make time in your day for the one who holds your breath in His hands? I’d love to hear your thoughts!