Advent: Is there room in the inn?

“And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.” Luke 2.6-7

Meditation

Have you ever thought about how far Mary & Joseph had to travel?  Mary is great with child & Joseph walks in the door & tells her that the Roman emperor, Augustus, is requiring everyone to return to their hometown for a census.  There could not be worse timing.  It’s 70 or 80 miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem.  And they haven’t had time to save up & buy the new minivan yet or get the car seats installed.  Mary asks how they’re going to make the trip & Joseph looks at the donkey tied up outside.  Mary — not a happy camper.  But they make the trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem & Jesus is born.  In the story, the simple fact of the matter was that there was no room for Jesus in the inn.  I wonder if that’s still true today?  Is there room for Jesus in your heart & in your life today?

Prayer

Abba Father, My heart & my life have become so full of things, good things.  For that I’m grateful.  But may my life be full first with You & the light of Your presence.  Forgive me when my days become weeks & my weeks become months & I haven’t taken a moment to simply be with you.  Like the inn located in Bethlehem, there’s often no room for You in my life even though I‘m fully aware that my life begins & ends in You.  May there be room today for me to behold Your Holy presence in my life.  For you & your presence in my life, I’m eternally grateful.  Thank you, Jesus.

Amen.

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