While running errands last weekend, I drove by a church with a sign that displayed a message similar to: We are all innkeepers – will we have room for Jesus? I don’t remember the exact words, and my paraphrasing here isn’t as eloquent as what I read in person, but the message did what it was supposed to do. It got me thinking. Do I have room for Jesus? Will I have room for Jesus? How do I make room for Jesus?
I couldn’t help but compare preparing and making room for Jesus to preparing and making room for the guests I’m expecting soon. For my company, I’m cleaning the house a little better than usual. I’m finishing two minor home repairs I’ve been meaning to do. I’m planning special meals including a new recipe I want to try and a special family favorite. I’ve made two new, creative decorations I hope they’ll enjoy. I’ve written grocery lists and to-do lists as I try to note all the details I can think of to make this visit, which is sure to go by very quickly, special and memorable for them. I’ve put a lot of time and effort into our upcoming days together, and I feel pretty good about being ready for my guests. But as far as preparing to welcome and make room for Jesus…. Well, I am a little ashamed by the comparison.
After reading that sign, I spent time discerning what making room for Jesus looks like for me and realized I had not put in much effort so far this Advent. I had not done any spiritual cleaning to identify the hurts, upsetting emotions, and disappointments taking up space in my heart. I had not spent enough time with the Lord or asked Him to help me let go of these things, so I can replace them with the joy and hope of the coming Christ. I want to be able to answer the question ‘will I have room for Jesus?’ with a resounding ‘yes’!
As we know, it’s so easy to get caught up in to-do lists, presents, and shipping deadlines. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to provide a memorable and joyful holiday for loved ones, but it’s good to remember that we don’t need to put any plans or details together to make room for Jesus. He just asks that we spend time with Him, ask Him to help heal our hearts, and joyfully welcome Him to work in us. During this Advent season of anticipation, let’s continue to pray how we can make room for Jesus and the hope and joy He brings.
Journeying to Grace 