Read: Luke 2:1–7
And Mary gave birth to her firstborn Son and wrapped Him in bands of cloth, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. Luke 2:7
There was no room for them in the inn. We know that part of the story. The baby Jesus was placed in a cattle trough as if it were a bassinet that first night, because there was no one willing to open heart or home to the little family from Nazareth. Even as paying customers, the innkeeper refused to put the pregnant couple up for the night…what a mess to have a guest give birth in your hotel!
What we also know is that this initial exclusion foreshadows the end of Jesus’ earthly ministry. In the beginning there was no room for Jesus at the inn, and by the end, there was no room for Jesus in the world. The powers and principalities of the world conspired to snuff Jesus out, because the world has little room for one who speaks truth and offers God’s love to all. There was no room in the inn for Jesus, there was no room in the world for Jesus…the only question that remains is whether there is room for Jesus in our lives.
Will you open your heart and life to Jesus?
Lord, I want to say “yes” to that question, but I don’t know what I am in for if I do. Will life get messy for me? Will I get into trouble with the powers that be? Will I have to finally be honest with others and offer my love unreservedly? It would be so much easier to shut the door to all that uncomfortable uncertainty. But I desperately want to keep that door open. I want You in my life. I want to risk living in prophetic ways. In Your name, I pray. AMEN.