Make Room for Him

“So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” – Luke 2:4-7

As we are preparing to celebrate Christmas, we sometimes forget very easy why and what we celebrate. I know I do. As I was making the preparations for tonight & tomorrow, Mary, Joseph and the innkeeper came to mind.
Joseph and Mary traveled far, although Mary was right before giving birth. Joseph was an honorable man, who wanted to make sure that he complied with the decree given by his rulers to take part in the census. I can’t even imagine how Mary felt after this long, strenuous journey on a donkey. When they arrived, there was no room for them in the inn. They had to take what the innkeeper offered them – a stable.
Yikes, giving birth in a stable? With all the animals around and no clean, hot water? Not even a nurse around? Only a handful strangers maybe and her fiancee? But did Mary complain? No, she didn’t. She was grateful to have a place to give birth to her firstborn son, our Lord and Savior. What humble servants Joseph and Mary were. No complaining, just listing to do God’s will.

As you make your last preparations to celebrate this glorious day, make room for Him, Who deserves a place in your heart and mine, all year long.