Here we are at this wonderful time of the year again, the Christmas season. It doesn’t even seem possible that another year has flown past us. Christmas can be a magical time! It typically draws us closer to God as we focus on the birth of Jesus, meet with friends and family and sit by the warmth of a fire on a cold winter night watching Hallmark movies. However, it can be a difficult time, as well, for those who reminisce of memories with loved ones who are not here this year. Even as I think of my father, who passed from this life almost eight years ago around the festivities of Christmas, it saddens me. I remember sending him his favorite nonpareil candies each year and he being so thankful for the small things. I think my mom still has them in their freezer. It is the memories that stay with us, giving us the power to reflect with gratitude.
As I reread the Christmas story recently, Luke 2:7, spoke volumes to me, 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. I wonder how Mary felt when she heard those words, no room? No room for an expecting mother? No room for the Son of God to be born? But we never read those words from Mary’s lips, instead, Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart (Luke 2:19).
I find there are times in my life, dare I say, where I have said these very words, no room. Maybe you are reading this and you have said them too. You might feel your heart is so full that there is no room for more of Jesus, more friends, more commitments, more _________.
I don’t want to be found, like the innkeeper, saying no room in the inn. No room in the inn of my heart. If you find yourself in this place this Christmas, ask God to expand your heart, your home, your life to make room for what He finds important – more of Jesus! And when we have more of Jesus, we have more room for others.
On the flip side…….
There is something God has been placing on my heart as I talk with friends and ministry leaders, that there is absolutely no room for in the Christian walk. There is no room for jealousy, strife and envy. It can decimate friendships, dissolve a romance, destroy a family and disrupt a ministry.
We all have felt the green monster of jealousy well up in us and at times even fallen prey to it, but moving forward, let us put this behind us and do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it (Proverbs 3:27). Who is it, this Christmas season, God is asking you to give a “That a Girl” to? Be the bearer of good news and encourage others with the treasure you hold in your earthen vessel, so it is His surpassing greatness and power for others to see. (2 Cor. 4:7)
Encourage that sister, sister-in-Christ, sister-in-law or sister-in-ministry. It may be just what she needs to take the step where God is asking her to go.
Journeying with Him,
Jessie