Christmas Journey: Ten Days of Wonder Sýnishorn

And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:7

Everything is falling into place. At home, our trees and rooms are decorated; the big meal preparations are unpacked and refrigerated. We, by some Christmas miracle, have all the presents wrapped. But before all the tinsel, glitter, and holiday glow, there were a crowded village, tired and weary travelers, and a babe to be born in conditions that some might call unsafe, unhealthy, and surely not ideal. Yet, has that ever stopped God?

Possibly we miss His work in our lives because we think He shows up with a stage, a camera, an entourage, and everything perfect. No, that is rarely His style. He comes as the song says, soft and slow,* couched in the ruckus of life all around us but barely recognized by us who are so busy, distracted, and determined to plow through life to get to the next best thing.

Much has been written about comparing our hearts to the crowded inn with no room for Jesus. That Bethlehem hostel, filled to the max, reminds us that we often crowd our lives with things that seem oh so important, but then they leave us holding just so much ash seeping through our hands. If we make any New Year’s resolutions this year, may the only one be that we fight for, carve out, and schedule time alone in the presence of the Lord and His Word daily. Doing this will cause every other resolution we make to fall into place (Mt. 6:33). Honestly. That’s His promise.

We can glean more from the crowded inn.

Just wondering. Did you experience some closed doors in your life this past year? You know—something you really wanted to happen—that didn’t? You are in good company. Rest in knowing that God is doing something more significant in your life. He may have caused you to dodge a bullet you can’t fathom, and He never closes something that He doesn’t also open the right door or window somewhere else.

Trust Him. Believe Him. The miracle is in sight.

Take a moment to consider: What phrase spoke to my heart most from today’s lesson? Are there any adjustments in my life I need to prayerfully consider?

* Audrey Assad, Winter Snow, 2009