The Advent Season is a time of expectancy, waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas. It is the time in the church’s year when Christians prepare spiritually for celebrating the birthday of Jesus. This calls for a time of change, a time to examine one’s self, to look inwardly and discover those things that need changing. It also means adding things to improve one’s self and discarding things which prevent one from being more like Jesus.
During this time of introspection, we focus on who Jesus is, the reason why He came, the importance of Him in our lives and how faithful we are to living His commands.
One of the questions we need to ask ourselves during the time of Advent is – ‘Is there room in my life for Jesus?’ You see, some of us have no room for Jesus in our lives but – there is time and room for many other things: shopping, food preparation, parties, cruises, boat races, jobs and careers, vacations, bike riding, exercising and other festivities. Often, we do not even give Jesus a single thought until the funds are low, sickness steps in, trouble is on our doorstep – or unless we want some favour of Him.
In biblical days too, people were just as busy. In the Gospel of Luke, the story was told that it was a busy time. Mary and Joseph were in Bethlehem searching for a room. They tried the inns, but they were all full. There was no vacancy. However, one kind innkeeper allowed them to use his stable where Mary gave birth to the baby, Jesus.
So, when we celebrate the Christmas season, we must not forget that Jesus is looking for a room in our lives as well. He is knocking every minute at our heart’s door. The question is – Will we let Him in? Will we give Him a place in our lives? Will we allow Him to enter and take up residency? Will we make room for Him? Or will we say – like the inn keepers– “Sorry, there is no room?”
This very minute the Saviour is asking – Will you let me in? What is your answer? The hymn writer, Dr. D. W. Whittle too is pleading with you, my friends. He is asking you that very question in song:
Have you any room for Jesus,
He who bore your load of sin.
As He knocks and asks admission,
Sinners, will you let Him in?
Amidst your busy day, and all the many things you must do, please find time for Jesus. Do not allow anything to cause you to shut Him out. He is calling. He is pleading with you. What will your answer be? Will you too turn Him away? Will you say – there is no room? Or will you invite Him in to stay? I hope your answer is:
Come into my heart, Lord Jesus, come into my heart, I pray.
My soul is so troubled and weary, Come into my heart, today.
Into my heart, into my heart, come into my heart, Lord Jesus.
Come in today, come in to stay, Come into my heart, Lord Jesus.
About the Author: Mrs. Marilyn Hodge owns and operates the Wellness Centre in the Farrington, Anguilla. The Centre offers Counselling Services by Appointment Only and has now published Positive Living Volume 3. Contact information: 476-3517 or email: marilynb@anguillanet.com. www.facebook.com/axawellnesscentre
