In our kitchen, we have a bulletin board next to a calendar. We post schedules of activities, work, school calendars, and appointment reminders. Last week as I posted on the bulletin board, I noticed in the center under all the things, a picture my daughter colored. It is a picture of a cross. The colored picture was at one time front and center.
It was very apparent in that moment how this is a reflection of what happens in life. Jesus is front and center but easily gets crowded out by all of the things in our lives. It is no coincidence this happened during the Advent season. At Advent, we are given the opportunity to evaluate and make room in our hearts to receive Jesus.
I thought about the innkeeper in the story of the Birth of Jesus. We all view the story and think bad of the innkeeper for not making room. He did make room just not with the best accommodations. Luke 2:7 NIV “and she gave birth to her first born, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger because there was no guest room available for them”.
The words “guest room available” stand out to me the most in the scripture. God gave us the gift of Jesus to save us and to live in our hearts. A guest room is temporary and only for a visit. The things in life that crowd out Jesus are all temporary. Activities change, years go by, and appointments are canceled or kept. Jesus stays the same.
I have now rearranged the bulletin board and able to see the full picture. The picture has the words on “Jesus Brings Salvation”. Even though I rearranged the bulletin board or even change my routine, these too are temporary. My life and my heart are the only true reflections of making room for Jesus. Advent is a season and what we get from it can be eternal. As we continue in 2020 and prepare for 2021, how can Advent and Christmas be an internal journey to springboard our eternal journey? As we are excited for what Christmas will bring, let’s make room for the Newborn King.
Merry Christmas!
Jenny White, Director of Early Childhood Ministry
