No Room
Scripture Reading — John 1:10-14
He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. John 1:11
If you have ever been in a busy tourist town during peak season, you may have noticed "no vacancy" signs in front of many motels. These signs simply mean that the motels are full.
Sometimes motels and inns don't have room for people, but sometimes people don't have room for others in their hearts. Maybe a group at school won't make room for someone who isn't as smart or athletic or physically attractive as they are. Maybe at church a group of friends stands around talking after the service but won't make room for newcomers--people who are hurting and longing for a friend.
Luke tells us there was no room for Mary and Joseph in the inn at Bethlehem (Luke 2:7). Jesus was born into a world of people that had no room for him. And later in life he was hated and rejected. "He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him."
In this Advent season, is there room in your heart for the Lord Jesus?
So many things can fill our lives and make us busy: family, friends, careers, sports, and the general business of life. But do we have room for the Lord Jesus, and for others who need to know his love?
Perhaps this Christmas you could make room for Jesus and let him stay in your life.
Lord Jesus, so often we do not make room for you and others. Fill our hearts, and by your grace help us to accept others who need love and friendship. In your name, Amen.
About the author — Joel Sheeres
Rev. Joel Sheeres is the pastor at First Christian Reformed Church in Crown Point, Indiana. He and his wife, Christine, have three children. Pastor Sheeres has previously served at Faith Christian Reformed Church in Elmhurst, Illinois.
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