We return home with armloads of gifts for others. In a frenzy, we wrap the last of the presents only to have them ripped open moments later. Then, we rush off to catch the next family gathering. Exhausted.
And here we are again. Christmas. It's not that we don't want to hear the angels singing. Yes, we need a star to follow, as the wise men did, and if you're like me, we desperately want to kneel at the manger. We truly long to adore that child wrapped in swaddling clothes, just as Mary did. And we yearn to worship with the shepherd and bring our gifts beside the magi. It's just, well...no time.
Not much has changed. It was crowded then...even Bethlehem had no room available. Just too crowded. And it still is. "He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God." (John 1:10-12) God doesn't force His way into crowded lives. He knocks. Sends an invitation. That invitation is Jesus.
Interesting. We have time for other things. Work, friends, sports, food, sleep, TV, family, Facebook. Yet when it comes to time for the Author of Life, a few minutes is a sacrifice. No room for the very heartbeat of our existence. Maybe it's time to stop. To stop and ponder, wonder, worship, adore, bring your gift...to the nucleus of Christmas. "For unto you is born this day, in the city of David, a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." (Luke 2:11) It's Christmas. Time to follow the star to Bethlehem. Time to leave your sheep and head to manger. Time to open the door to your inn. Stop.
As a ten year old, I participated in a Christmas Cantata, entitled Noel, Jesus is Born. A particular number impacted my young life.
As a ten year old, I participated in a Christmas Cantata, entitled Noel, Jesus is Born. A particular number impacted my young life.
♫ No room, no room for him. No room, to let Him in. No room for Jesus in the world He made. No room. No room, for the king of kings. But room for others, and for other things. No room for Jesus in a world he made, no room.
Room for houses, lands and pleasures, room for things that pass away. But for the one who reigns forever, there's no room today. No room, no room for Him. No room, to let Him in. No room for Jesus, in the heart He made, just for Him.
No room for the King of Kings. Room for others and for other things. No room for Jesus in the heart He made, just for Him. He just keeps knocking, but He hears you say, "No room." ♫
I know. You're life is busy. He still is knocking. Any room?
I know. You're life is busy. He still is knocking. Any room?
Two posts so close together! What a blessing for us!! Thanks!!!
ReplyDeleteThat reminds me of one of my favorite hymns
ReplyDelete"Have You Any Room For Jesus, He who bore your load of sin?
As He knocks and asks admission, sinner, will you let Him in?
Room for Jesus, King of glory! Hasten now, His word obey;
Swing the heart's door widely open, Bid Him enter while you may.
Room for pleasure, room for business, But for Christ the Crucified,
Not a place that He may enter, In the heart for which He died?
Have you any room for Jesus, As in grace He calls again?
O, today is time accepted, Tomorrow you may call in vain.
Room ant time now give to Jesus, Soon will pass God's day of grace;
Soon thy heart left cold and silent, And thy Savior's pleading cease.