Make Room
Luke 2:4-7
This closet is such a mess... There's no room in here for anything else! Look at this refrigerator... We don’t have any space for the Christmas turkey! Oh my! The car trunk is already full... We don’t have room for the ice chest! Every day this week is booked... I don’t have room in my schedule for anything else!
These are examples from our everyday lives—we often feel as though we don’t have any more room. However, we start to organize, arrange, prioritize, and eliminate the excess items. Suddenly, there is space in the closet. We do have room in the refrigerator. With some adjustments, the ice chest can fit in the car. When I examine the schedule more closely, I see there is room to have lunch with a friend.
And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David); to be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
Luke 2:4-7
Months earlier, the angel Gabriel had visited Mary and announced that she would give birth to a baby who would be called the Son of God. Mary replied, “I am the Lord’s servant. Let it be to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38). Mary made room in her days, weeks, and years to come.
Joseph had to leave his carpenter shop in Nazareth and travel to Bethlehem (80-90 miles away). He adjusted his financial account because there would be days without work. Years would pass before he’d return to Nazareth with his young family. Joseph made room and changed the details of his life.
As Mary’s pregnancy progressed, the time of delivery was drawing near. Given the distance between Nazareth and Bethlehem, they would not be able to make the long journey and return home before the baby’s birth. Joseph and Mary made room and submitted to the Lord’s plan and purpose.
Leaving behind the comforts of home, they made the journey to Bethlehem. Would there be room for them in Bethlehem? Where would they be when Mary went into labor? Who would assist her in the birth of this child?
Joseph and Mary made room. They changed their daily routines and adjusted their plans. Their example continues to inspire and challenge us many centuries later.
Head to Heart
Let’s make room in our lives for the Lord’s plan and purpose.
Are there moments throughout your day when you can dedicate time to the Lord—such as reading His Word, praying, and offering praise and worship to Him?
Is there a ministry or serving opportunity the Lord is asking you to do?
Are there aspects of your life that you need to change to fulfill the purpose God has ordained for you?
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