“Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And everyone was on his way to register for the census, each to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child. While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”

--Luke 2:1-7 (New American Standard Bible)


These verses from Luke are among the most-read Scripture this time of year. Some of us may even be so familiar with them that we can recite them.

Luke, inspired by God, tells us a story. But not just any story. It’s the amazing story of God breaking into our world through a baby.

What do you picture when you read this story? Perhaps a bustling, overcrowded first-century town. A worried tradesman and his pregnant wife searching to get a room anywhere. A man and wife wanting some privacy to bring their baby into the world and hearing the rejections: “Sorry, no room.”

But wait. Someone remembers the cave or stalls where animals are kept and offers that to the man. Someone makes a little room. And so the King of Kings is born and placed in a feeding trough, maybe with animals as witnesses.

There’s so much in this story that we aren’t told. Things we would like to know. Things that the movies embellish. But movies are created from someone’s imagination, perhaps coupled with facts historians and archaeologists have deduced about life in the first century.

What Luke does tell us is this: Mary gave birth to her firstborn son and placed him in a manger, “because there was no room for them in the inn.”

No room. Kind of a haunting thought, don’t you think? It makes me ask, what am I making room for this Christmas? Sending cards, baking goodies, decorating the house, buying presents? Is there room in my busy schedule for Jesus? And how much?

I don’t want the King of Kings to be an afterthought in my Christmas celebration. I want Him to be the center. After all, Jesus is the reason for our celebration. Lord Jesus, help me make more room for You.


Ideas for Making Room:

- Set your alarm to go off several times each day. Every time the alarm goes off, take five minutes to center your thoughts on Jesus and give thanks.

- Make a sign or an ornament displaying words such as: Welcome, Jesus. Place the sign strategically in your house or car where you will see it often.

- Choose an evening that fits your family. Camp out on the floor together somewhere in your house for a time of worship. Read Luke 2:1-7. Think about what that night might have been like for Mary and Joseph. Spend time thanking Jesus for coming. Sing “Silent Night” or another favorite Christmas carol.