Daily devotional · December 24
No Room, Yet God Came Anyway
“Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that a census should be taken of the whole empire. This was the first census to take place while Quirinius was governor of Syria. And everyone went to his own town to register. So Joseph also went up from Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, since he was from the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to him in marriage and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her Child to be born. And she gave birth to her firstborn, a Son. She wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”
Luke sets the birth of Jesus in the real world of emperors, censuses and travel. Joseph and Mary make a difficult journey, and when the baby is born there is no guest room available, so they lay him in a feeding trough. The King of glory arrives in the humblest of settings. This detail is a quiet invitation. God does not require a perfect house, a perfect family or a perfect heart to be welcomed. He came into a crowded, borrowed space and He still does. Tonight, many of us will be busy with meals, wrapping and travel. Before the evening fills up, take a few minutes to make room: turn off the noise, put down the phone, and quietly tell Jesus you welcome Him into whatever is unfinished in your home and heart. Let your welcome be simple and sincere, and make room at your table for someone who might otherwise be alone.
Prayer
Jesus, there is room in my heart for You tonight. Come and stay. Amen.