“Joy to the world, the Lord is come.
Let earth receive her King.
Let every heart prepare Him room,
and heaven and nature sing.”

Luke 2:7
And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

Mary and Joseph arrived in a crowded Bethlehem needing a place to stay.  A very pregnant Mary needed a place to give birth to her firstborn son, that precious baby that came from God Himself.  Few knew the meaning or the value in that baby who would spend His first night on Earth in a manger.  There was no room in the inn, no specially prepared place, no fanfare for His arrival.  But still He came into our world.  It may have been less-than-ideal circumstances, but certainly it was a moment full of much joy.

That little baby grew up to be our Savior who died on a cross for us.  And that gift of salvation is available, but we have to receive it.  We have to make room for Jesus in our lives.  And when we do, that joy will follow.  A sin-cursed Earth that groans for redemption rejoiced upon Jesus’ arrival.  And every sin-weary heart can experience the flood of joy that comes when Jesus’ blood washes away our sins, when forgiveness and redemption are our gifts from Him

Even after we know Jesus as our Savior, we still have to keep making room.  Our lives get busy.  Our hearts get cluttered with the cares of this world.  Even the Christmas season has become so full of extra stuff.  But let’s get back to the heart of what it is all about.  Let’s clear some time from our schedule and spend it with Jesus in prayer and in His Word.  Let’s clear out any sin that may be in our hearts, any bad habits, anything that doesn’t belong.  Let’s make room for Jesus to work in and through us.  Let’s be ready for Jesus to show up in our lives and fill us with joy that only He can bring.