Have You Any Room?

Written by Jonathan Suter

Day 1: No Room in the Inn

Imagine the scene: Bethlehem is overflowing with travelers because Caesar Augustus ordered the census. Streets are crowded, inns are fully booked, and a sense of urgency fills the air. Mary and Joseph arrive after a long and exhausting journey from Nazareth. Mary is nine months pregnant, and her due date is imminent. They search desperately for a place to stay, knocking on door after door, only to be met with the same response: "No room here."

Finally, they find shelter in a stable—a place intended for animals, not for the birth of a child, let alone the Son of God. Amidst the hay, the smell of livestock, and the humble surroundings, Jesus enters the world. The King of Kings makes His grand entrance not in a palace but in a lowly manger.

It's astonishing to consider that so many people missed this monumental event. The Savior of the world was born right under their noses, yet they were too preoccupied with their own lives to notice. The innkeepers and townspeople of Bethlehem were not hostile; they were simply indifferent and too busy to make room for Jesus.

"He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, yet the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and His own people did not receive Him." - John 1:10-11

Fast forward to today, and we find ourselves in a similar situation. The Christmas season is filled with shopping, decorating, parties, and endless to-do lists. Our calendars are packed, and our minds are cluttered with responsibilities and distractions. In the midst of all this, it's easy to overlook the true meaning of Christmas.

Just like the inns of Bethlehem, our hearts can become so crowded that there's no room left for Jesus. We may unintentionally push Him aside, thinking we'll have time for Him later. But Jesus doesn't force His way into our lives; He waits patiently for us to invite Him in.

Making room for Jesus doesn't require abandoning all our activities. Instead, it's about prioritizing Him in our daily lives. This could be as simple as setting aside time daily to pray, read the Bible, or reflect on His love. It means being mindful of His presence and allowing Him to be at the center of all we do.

Take a moment to watch this video, "Have You Any Room?":

This Christmas, let's challenge ourselves to be different from the innkeepers who turned Mary and Joseph away. Let's open our hearts and lives to Jesus, giving Him the place of honor He deserves. When we make room for Him, we experience the fullness of His peace, joy, and love—gifts far greater than any we might find under the tree.

Reflection:

• In what ways has busyness crowded out space for Jesus in your life?
• What practical steps can you take to intentionally make room for Him during this season?
• How might your perspective on Christmas change by focusing more on Jesus?