She Reads Truth: EmmanuelSample

St. Luke Tells of the Birth of Jesus

Reflection

The town was teeming with people and the couple arrived late, the journey slow and uncomfortable. Mary would give birth any day now, but it was a trip they had to make. The law required it.

By the time they arrived there was no room, or at least none that was offered them. So they made a place with the animals, and that’s where she delivered Him.

“And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.” (v.7, ESV)

Had they no friends or family there to take them in? Was there no room in the marketplace or the schools, the temple or the synagogue? Why was this place with the livestock - the crudest of all possible options - the only where they could find room?

Charles Spurgeon had a theory that this was not unusual, that there is very little room in society provided for our Christ. Spurgeon wrote, “There is no space for the Prince of peace but with the humble and contrite spirits which by grace he prepares to yield him shelter.”

Sisters, that’s you. You are where He dwells.

Perhaps you have an objection to this. Spurgeon covers some common ones here:

“‘Well,’ says one, ‘I have room for him, but I am not worthy that he should come to me.’ Ah! I did not ask about worthiness; have you room for him? ‘Oh! but I feel it is a place not at all fit for Christ!’ Nor was the manger a place fit for him, and yet there was he laid. ‘Oh! but I have been such a sinner; I feel as if my heart had been a den of beasts and devils!’ Well, the manger had been a place where beasts had fed. Have you room for him?

“Never mind what the past has been; he can forget and forgive. It mattereth not what even the present state may be if thou mournest it. If thou hast but room for Christ he will come and be thy guest.”

Do you have room for Him, dear Sisters? Oh, how He longs to dwell richly in you.

Prayer

Jesus, come and dwell in us. May we have room for you today and always. Amen.

Advent Action

Create a physical space to pray, even if just for today. In your room, on your porch, anywhere - make room for Christ and spend a few minutes with Him there today.

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