No Room at the Inn

Christmas is in the air.  The lights, the music, the holiday rush make it an exciting time. I’ve spent hours shopping.  Even more hours decorating my house so it will look “magical” when the grandkids come.  Next to Easter, this is the most wonderful time of year for a Christian. I feel both joy and excitement as I get ready to participate in the biggest birthday party in the world.  Our God, our Savior, our King, our Friend came to earth as our Kinsman Redeemer over 2000 years ago, and millions are preparing to celebrate. 

I think of them now.  They are my brothers and sisters in Christ.  But I also think of the many who will go through the motions this season only because it’s “tradition,” and not a matter of the heart.  They celebrate because that’s how their parents did it, or because that’s what everyone else does, or because they don’t want their kids to miss out on the presents and fun. Their house will be decorated, too, their shopping done but there will be no room in the inn of their heart for the One who loves them, who gave Himself for them, who longs to whisper in their ear and call them, “friend.”

Tradition can be a fine thing, but it can’t warm the heart or strengthen resolve or heal a troubled mind.   There is only One who can do that, and He’s too much of a gentleman to barge in uninvited.  If ever there was a time when we needed to open that door and invite Him in, it is now.

I pray this season will be filled with good health and joy.  But most of all I pray that room will be made in the inn of your heart for the One whose birth we celebrate.

Until next week,

Sylvia