She gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
Luke 2:7
Years ago my daughters participated in a Christmas musical presented by The Church on the Way in Van Nuys, CA. They sang in the children’s choir and my husband and I were thrilled that they were able to experience this once in a lifetime opportunity. We lived thirty miles away from the church but the drives to and from practices and rehearsals were well worth the effort.
Tickets to the event had to be reserved weeks in advance. When I called the church office to reserve tickets for my husband and me, the lady on the phone said, “Linda, I am so sorry, there are no more tickets available.” “Our children are participating in the production,” I protested! She replied, “I wish there was something I could do, but there are no more seats.” It took everything in me to be kind to the woman. Didn’t she know the sacrifice we had made! I knew it wasn’t her fault… but still!
After hanging up the phone, I began my protest to the Lord! “How dare they not have tickets for us? I’ve made long drives for weeks – taking my girls to practices! This is insane!” “I know how you feel,” the Holy Spirit gently whispered to my heart. “There wasn’t any room for me either and I was the Savior of the world.”
I cried. The impact of what Jesus experienced at his birth settled in my heart like never before. You might say I had an epiphany. Finally, after warm tears stopped flowing down my face, I released my anger and disappointment to the Lord. “Okay Lord,” I said. “If we can’t attend, I will accept your decision but I believe that you can make a way for us to go. I will leave it in your hands.”
Shortly after I arose from my posture of prayer, the phone rang. It was the lady from the church calling back. “I have located two tickets for the musical,” she said. “A lady called right after we hung up and gave up her two tickets. Isn’t God good?” Yes, He is,” I replied.
The Lord made room for us. This Christmas, I intend to make room in my heart for him. I hope you will too!
NEXT TIME IT WILL BE DIFFERENT!
THE FIRST TIME JESUS CAME:
He came veiled in the form of a child,
A star marked His arrival.
Wise men brought Him gifts.
There was no room for Him.
Only a few attended His arrival.
He came as a baby.
THE NEXT TIME JESUS COMES:
He will be recognized by all.
Heaven will be lit by His glory
He will bring rewards for His own.
The world won’t be able to contain His glory.
Every eye shall see Him
He will come as Sovereign King and LORD OF ALL.
(From the Miracle of Christmas by John McArthur)