All those many years ago, they arrived hoping to have a place to stay.
The innkeeper told them there was no room at the inn.
He offered them his stable and the family was forgotten as they walked away.
It was destiny that our Savior was born in a manger beneath the stars.

The child who was turned away,
born in the manger of hay,
saved the world that fateful day.

From no room at the inn to wanting a room in our homes and in our hearts.

Do we have room for Him?

December comes and with it comes the hustle and joy and good cheer.
The most wondrous time we celebrate has arrived for another year.
The tree is decorated, the shopping in full swing, packages arriving day after day.
The meals are planned, the dates are set, we’ve got to remember everything.

But do we?

The fireplace and candles burn more, the music floats in the air,
the toys are bought, and all – that – stuff, we’ve got to be sure the gifts are there.

What about the greatest gift of all?

The time has come, families gather, there are memories and laughter and fun.
And before you know it, the calm returns, and the holiday is done.
The last gift is gone, the table is clear, the decorations…
well, they’re making their way back to the attic.

Was Jesus there?

Well, I think we all know He was there, but did we notice?

As a hush falls over the house and the lights are put away for another year,
may this year we know nothing was missing, that it all became so clear.

This year, Jesus had room, in our thoughts, in our celebrations,
in our holiday, in the holiday that really is all about Him.

If we could write the script for this week ahead, would we?
Making room for Him at the table as we gather around the tree
would make it all more special, a place He’d love to be.

………………………………………………………………………………………..

From a Gift of Grace, my first book from 2021. This book may be nothing fancy or filled with big words but it expresses my child-like understanding of Christmas, the way I believe the people in this magnificent story may have felt, from the eyes of a person who simply believes and loves the story.