Make Room In The Inn
“Into my heart. Into my heart. Come into my heart, Lord Jesus.
Come in today. Come in to stay. Come into my heart, Lord Jesus.”
The sweet chorus from my childhood found it’s way back into my mind, tapping the keys of my heart. It is a prayer inviting Jesus to come. It not only stirs old memories but also sends me straight to the Christmas story.
“And she gave birth to her firstborn, a Son. She wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:7
There it is in black ink. The Savior of the world was about to be born and “there was no room for them in the inn.” I can see Joseph moving door-to-door searching for a guest room for Mary to give birth to a son. His initial soft knocking must have quickly turned to the thump of a drum. But each knock led to “No Vacancy.” Obviously some kind innkeeper gave permission for them to stay in the animal stable for the night. And there on that holy night, “Immanuel – God is With Us” was born.
When all possibilities produced only closed doors, the divine door opened to the prepared labor and delivery room. I feel certain it did not meet the expectations of Joseph or Mary, but it was exactly as God had planned it. Unlike our modern day sterilized and sanitized delivery room, this birthing room was purified by the holiness of God. According to His sovereign plan, Jesus, the Deliverer, was delivered in the open door stable. Although there was no room, He still came near because that is who God is. Jesus came to be “God With Us.”
God still searches for open doors for His presence to birth new life. He gently taps on the door longing not only to bring new life, but also to enter into a deep, intimate relationship with us. He always comes to spaces where He is welcome.
Unexpected spaces.
Dirty spaces.
Messy spaces.
Cluttered spaces.
He knocks and waits to be invited.
"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me." Revelation 3:20
How does He find your heart this Christmas?
Is there room for Him or is every space filled?
Traditions push us to perform and meet all expectations, and before we know it, we are filled with frustration, hurry and excess. Our hearts are cluttered leaving little room for the King of Kings. And yet He knocks waiting to be welcomed.
This calls for a radical altering of our lives to make room for Him. And when we do, we make space for Him to do amazing, miraculous things. I can’t help but think of what took place in that stable! The glory of God came. The angel appeared. Jesus took His first breath and breathed life for you and me. Almighty God wrapped Himself in flesh and gave us a way out. Shepherds and Kings alike, found Him and that little space filled with glorious worship.
Oh, yes, I want to sing this chorus loud and clear that the entire heavenly host may join in worship. Today, Lord Jesus, I make room for you. I welcome you to fill my entire life. I give you my heart and surrender my life as a living sacrifice for YOU.
“Into my heart. Into my heart. Come in to my heart Lord Jesus.
Come in today. Come in to stay. Come in to my heart Lord Jesus.”
Click here to listen to the song.
I wish you all a Merry Christmas filled with the joy of the LORD.
I so look forward to journeying into 2020 with you.
See you next year!
Love, Martha