Advent Devotional 12.9.21

 

 

Thursday, December 9, 2021

 

 

Being Intentional

And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born.  She gave birth to her first child, a son.  She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in the manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Luke 2: 6-7

 

The words “there was no room” stood out to me in this passage.  I began thinking about times there is no room in my life for Jesus.  I bargain with God saying, ‘Let me just finish these two items on my list, then I’ll spend time with You.’  Other times I don’t even bargain but charge ahead in my own strength to carry out my will.  Christmas can be a time like that.  So much to do… cards, presents, baking, decorating, entertaining, etc.

If I am not intentional, all my preparations to celebrate the birth of Christ carry me away.  They create distance between me and Jesus, the very One I seek to worship.  When I purposefully aim to keep Christ at the center of my days, I experience balance and peace.  Making room for Jesus fills me.  I delight in His presence and then pour out the love I receive into the people and activities of the day.

 

Prayer

Jesus, you are the Way of Life.  May I always make room for you.  In your name I pray,

Amen

Lisa Brown