While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. Then she gave birth to her firstborn son, and she wrapped him tightly in cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
Luke 2:6-7 CSB
There are times that I wish that I could add one more hour to the day. Something about that extra hour entices me to believe that I will be more productive with my time. That I could actually get my devotional time in or pray more. The truth is we all get 24 hours each day, we choose what we make room for.
The birth story of Jesus is like none other. Mary gives birth in circumstances that were not ideal but predestined. Holy Trinity covered in flesh wrapped in cloths and placed in a manger, a place where animals feed. What humble and lowly beginnings to start Jesus’ earthly mission!
That image of Christ in a manger served as a sign to the shepherds. When they saw such an unlikely sight, they rejoiced because the angels had truly brought them good news. But this image also shows us that no room was made for Jesus’ birth. If we knew the Messiah was being born, we would present our finest accommodations. Here we see that did not happen. Some scholars say this alludes to Jesus Christ being born in a cave with animals. Other scholars say that they were in the downstairs area of an inn for travellers; in those days, the animals were kept inside on the bottom floor and people lived on the second floor. Regardless of the setting, Mary and Joseph made the best of their current situation. They both knew the weight of what they were bringing into the world and made room for him.
How many of us are making room for Jesus? We each have a divine calling on our lives. But are we making room for it? We have been blessed with the knowledge of the importance of Jesus Christ. We have the opportunity to give Him our best. Do we give Jesus the best and first of our time, resources, or energy?
Instead of wishing for more time, I believe we have a choice to make the best of our current situation. We can make room, right now, right where we are in life. We can use the margins of life to honor our Savior. Let this scripture remind us to always make room for Jesus.
As we reflect during this Advent season, we have the perfect opportunity to slow down and reflect on our current state. We have the chance to use the best of our time, energy, and resources for our Heavenly Father. We all get 24 hours each day. Let’s start making room…
