No Room

Due to our own health challenges, we can struggle with not having enough room in our heart for Christmas. Fiona shares.

“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 room for them in the inn” (Luke 2:6-7).

“I just don’t want to think about Christmas. . . it’s too hard.”
“I don’t care that Christmas is coming.”
“I can’t cope with it this year.”

These are only a few of the things I’ve heard said just this week. It’s only early December!

Christmas can bring so many thoughts of expectations–decorations, family and friends, presents, food, energy. . . and thoughts of loneliness, just to name a few. I’m sure you can each think of problems or challenges this time of year brings for you. Is there room for more challenge?

Some families struggle with whether to include people who may be difficult to be around– whatever they decide it can lead to unpleasantness for someone. Do they have room?

Each year the commercial side of Christmas seems to push the birth of Christ aside.

None of these things are what the Christmas season should really be about are they? Surely our focus should be on the birth of this baby who would change the world, the greatest gift God could give us–something to really be grateful for.

In the above verses, we hear how Mary and Joseph couldn’t find lodgings because there was “no room.” Yet God provided a stable and they made do with what they found there, including a manger to hold their baby.

We may not have ideal circumstances this Christmas, yet we can still make the best of the circumstances we have. We can still find ways for Christmas to be a special reminder of what’s important.

Will we give the Christmas story –the birth of our Savior–room to impact our hearts and our lives this Christmas? Can we do that even in the midst of whatever challenges we or those we love, are going through?

I hope and pray the answer is Yes, for you and for me.

Prayer: Father God, we are so grateful for the gift of Your Son and our Savior today. May we find room to let that gift transform our lives this season, no matter what difficulties arise, or what challenges we face. Amen.

About the Author:
Fiona Burrows lives in Melbourne, Australia. She is thankful that God walks each step of her life with her, and that He is teaching her new things as she learns to live with chronic back pain. She enjoys finding time for reading, writing, and photography, and to share those things with others. You can contact her in the Sunroom, or read more of her writing on her blog there.

How will you make room this Christmas for God to change your perception of Christmas, or to revisit the wonder and majesty of a tiny baby who changed the world?

This is Becky Kelley singing “Where is the Line to See Jesus?” and I think it will touch your heart. I know I needed this reminder myself… Hugs, -Lisa