This week I was thinking about Mary and Joseph as they arrived in Bethlehem. Mary was pregnant, in labor, about to deliver her baby. The innkeeper said, “I’m sorry. There is no room in the inn. You can go to the stables.” How dreadful. The innkeeper had no idea who this young couple was, or the value of the baby Jesus she was about to deliver—our Savior. 

Their story reminds me of a time when I too had no room for Jesus. I remembered a mental conversation I had with Jesus. He said, “  You invited me into your heart, but you are not letting me in. There is no room for me. It is all tied up. It is full.” (Island Girl: A Triumph of the Spirit, p. 194.) 

Yes, back then, my heart was filled with pain and many worldly concerns. I gave no thought to this baby who came to save me. And as we go through the Christmas week, I wonder how many other people have “no room” for our Savior.

How many of us push him out into the stables of grief, worldly concerns, or consumer materialism? How many of us don’t even give a second thought to our Lord? Are we like the innkeeper who has no knowledge of the value of the baby Jesus-our Savior.

If we are like the innkeeper, without valuable knowledge, can we hear Jesus speaking to our hearts through Christmas stories or Christmas music? Is he chiding you as he did once with me:  “You invited me into your heart, but you are not letting me in. There is no room for me. It is all tied up. It is full.” 

When Jesus knocks on the door of our heart, let’s be sure he doesn’t hear the words, “There is no room. ” By faith, let us welcome him to dwell therein, not just for Christmas, but for all time. By faith, let’s open our heart to the power and purposes of God–Immanuel, God with us. 

“As a fair exchange – I speak as to my children – open wide your hearts also.” (2 Corinthians 6:13 NIV).