Make Room

7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

(Luke 2:7)

Jesus started his life as an enemy of the state, hunted by those who had the merest understanding of his power and destiny, and sought after by those who had no clue beyond the voices of angels and the guidance of stars. Extended family was unable, or unwilling, to make room for Jesus' parents even though his birth was near.

Given such a beginning, it's not surprising that he would spend his life embracing those on the margins of society.

Though we have the full story of Jesus' life at our fingertips, we continue to relegate him to the margins of our lives. We are too busy, life is so hectic, we have left no room for the Divine. We claim we will give more when we have fewer bills, we will make time when we are healthier - physically, mentally, or emotionally. We will let him in after we've cleaned up and fixed up our lives.

But when we finally put Him - whose mother could have been killed for having him, whose father wanted to run away, whose existence challenged popular understanding of family, and of God - at the center instead of the margins of our lives, our priorities will shift and our souls will find rest with Him.

Even in a manger.

May we follow the lead of our Savior - seeking not to have room made for us, but making room for the least, the last, and the lost - bringing glory to the God of all.

6 For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. 7 His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. (Isaiah 9:6-7)