Dear Family and Friends,

In the eyes of a child, this week will be the longest week of the year. I still remember how it took forever for “the day” to finally arrive. I’m sure it was the same for you.

But today I say, let’s return to our youth!

And spend this week in reverent anticipation of Christmas Day.

By spending each day reflecting on how the birth of a child two thousand years ago transformed our own lives beyond imagination. Reminding ourselves that God didn’t send His Son on a whim. Our Father went through a great deal of effort to make that day happen.

God started His redemption plan right after Adam and Eve disobeyed Him (see Genesis 3:15). Then revealed details of His plans of a Messiah through hundreds of prophecies over hundreds of years.

And when the time came, God left no room for error.

Consider the number of times angels appeared for Jesus’ birth – to Zechariah, Mary, Joseph and the shepherds. The angels made sure everyone knew the Plan.

Like telling Joseph and Zechariah early in the pregnancies to name their sons, Jesus and John. And that they would have sons, a feat even today’s modern medicine can’t match.

God sent the Holy Spirit to Simeon, the righteous and devout man who, when Jesus was brought to the temple to be consecrated, said, “Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you may now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the sight of all nations: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and the glory of your people Israel.” (See ‭‭Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭25-35 NIV)

Would you take your very pregnant wife on a 90 mile journey? Keep in mind that the donkey Mary supposedly rode from Nazareth to Bethlehem is never mentioned in the scriptures,

I doubt any of us would, unless absolutely necessary.

Well Caesar made it necessary, so off they went to be registered.

Do you think God had a hand in making this journey necessary? I do, for “The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will.” ‭‭ Proverbs‬ ‭21‬:‭1‬ ESV

Despite all the evidence of God in Jesus’ birth, there was one small detail that curiously didn’t go according to plan.

“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.”  ‭‭Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ NIV

There was no room in the house for Jesus. 

Was this an oversight? Doubtful. God doesn’t make mistakes.

Perhaps God was forewarning us about the life Jesus would live.

That when Jesus became human, He would live a life just like ours, hardships and all.

Perhaps God was also telling us that in our world, a house is not the only place with no room for Jesus.

Recall what Simeon prophesied about Jesus.

“Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: “This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed.””  Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭34‬-‭35‬ NIV

The other place with no room for Jesus is the hearts of man.

Have you noticed how we tend to accumulate stuff over our lives? We don’t mean to but it happens. I’m at a stage in life where anytime I get a new shirt, an old one must be discarded to make room.

Our hearts are no different. If we fill our hearts longing for the idols of this world, those gods will take up all the room in our hearts. 

As we approach this Christmas Day, let’s discard any and all idols that may be lingering in our hearts. And make more room for the greatest gift ever. The gift Joseph named Jesus. 

In love always,