December 15th

December 15: Luke 2:1-7

Luke 2:1-7  (NIV)

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register.

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 guest room available for them.

Reflection

Joy to the world, the Lord is come

Let earth receive her King

Let every heart prepare Him room

And Heaven and nature sing

The birth of Jesus is surrounded by people and places who would not make room for him. It was true that God was not welcome in this world. If only things were different then… and now. In the busyness of celebrating the birth of Jesus, how many of us fail to make room for Him?

Look at your calendar and your financial statements: considering these only, have you made room for Jesus?

How might you make room for Jesus this Christmas?

Prayer

God, the One who shows up even when there isn’t room, show up in our lives this year too.