By Jenn Jewell

It feels crowded, doesn’t it? The stores. The calendar. Our hearts.

Even before stepping one foot into December, we’re already overwhelmed.

There wasn’t room for Jesus either on the day of His birth.

If only the innkeepers had realized who was knocking at their door. But instead of a comfortable bed and sanitary accommodations, Jesus’ mama labored, probably screamed (hello, no epidural), and delivered the King of all kings into highly dusty conditions. Instead of a knit blanket in a plush bassinet, she wrapped him in strips of cloth and placed him a manger—the equivalent of an animal’s feeding trough.

There wasn’t any room, but room was still made.

So before we get lost in the hustle and bustle of the season, before we busy ourselves with hanging lights, icing cookies, and wrapping packages—before we’re scrounging for the funniest white elephant prank or cooking the perfect dish for an office party…before we forget, let’s remember to make room.

In this Bible plan, we’re intentionally pushing pause and purposely creating space to remember the true meaning of Christmas with our minds, relationships, time, bodies, and resources.

We can go through the motions without mentally showing up and mindfully worshipping Him. We can fake-smile our way through feasts without making amends with the person who’s hurt us. We can check everything off the to-do list without making time for the One who created us. We can attend all the parties and eat all the sweets and burn both ends of the candle without considering how Jesus would actually want us to celebrate His holiday. We can purchase and package the perfect presents, but forget the most important gift of all.

Basically, we can forget Christmas IN THE MIDDLE OF CHRISTMAS.

Thankfully, it’s not entirely hopeless. Making room starts with aligning our perspectives to His, which is what we’re doing right now (great job kicking off Day 1)!

And just because this time of year often feels crazy and crowded, it doesn’t mean our lives and souls have to be. Whether everything’s going pretty well for you at this moment or you’re facing the greatest pain and uncertainty you’ve ever known, I encourage you to make room.

“Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.”

Revelation‬ ‭3:20‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Do you realize who’s knocking at your door?

The innkeepers didn’t have the gift of hindsight, but we do. It’s the Word who became flesh. The One who left heaven to redeem earth. The Savior who’s able to make all things new.

And if messy, imperfect circumstances didn’t stop Jesus from coming into this world back then, nothing will stop Him from entering yours today.

If Jesus was to physically join you for Christmas, what would you do differently? Start with this simple prayer: Jesus, help me make room for you. Help me remember Christmas. 

READ

“And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. He took with him Mary, to whom he was engaged, who was now expecting a child.

She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them. That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.” Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others—the armies of heaven—praising God and saying, “Glory to God in highest heaven, and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.” When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.” They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds’ story were astonished, but Mary kept all these things in her heart and thought about them often. The shepherds went back to their flocks, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen. It was just as the angel had told them.”

‭‭Luke‬ ‭2:4-5, 7-20‬ ‭NLT‬‬