Sunday, December 1

 

 

As a little boy growing up in Central Virginia, I can remember how excited I would be about the Christmas season. There were several ways I knew the season was upon us; but I would get most excited when I came home from school and the furniture would be rearranged. On the couch I would find boxes that I hadn’t seen since last January, full of Christmas ornaments, lights and tinsel for the tree. My parents were making room and I knew that our Christmas tree would soon follow.

 

But as you read Luke’s Gospel you will find this was not the case for Jesus. The text tells us that Mary had to give birth to Jesus, God Incarnate, the Light of the World, in the presence of dirty animals, and he was laid in a manger because there was no room in the inn.

 

During the Christmas season, how many of us make room for Jesus? We make room for Christmas trees, decorations, parties and gifts, but if we are not careful, we can neglect the One who is the true reason for the season. We should all remember the greatest gift given to humanity — Jesus.

 

Gospel recording artist Jonathan McReynolds penned a song entitled “Make Room.” In this song the artist makes a public declaration that Jesus is central in his life and he is committed to making his relationship with Jesus a priority. He commits to making room.

 

If Jesus is what we treasure during this season, I challenge you to make room for Jesus in your plans, in your attitude, in your itinerary, in your celebrations, in your hearts and minds. In this glorious season, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Christ, will you make room?

 

The Rev. Kevin Jones ’07
Alumnus, Assistant Pastor of Tabernacle Church