The Advent Season is here once again. It is the time in the churches’ year when we prepare spiritually for celebrating the birthday of Jesus. This calls us to a time of change, a time to examine ourselves, to look inward and discover those things in our lives that we need to change. This means adding things to our life to improve ourselves, and ridding our lives of things which prevent us from being more like Jesus in our relationships.
Taking time prior to Christmas helps us to 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. Advent helps us focus on gratitude and love for Jesus whose birth we celebrate at this time of year.
Hence it is important for us to take time to slow down and reflect on our lives and priorities. One of the questions we need to ask ourselves during this time 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 times 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 those 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 kept trying all the inns but they were all full. There was no vacancy. However, one kind inn-keeper allowed them to use the stable where Mary gave birth to the baby Jesus as there was no room for them in the inn.
As you celebrate this Christmas season, do not forget that Jesus is looking for a room in your life as well. He is knocking this very minute at your heart’s door. The question is – Will you let Him in? Will you give him a place in your life? Will you allow Him to enter and take up residency? Will you make room for Him? Or will you say – “Sorry there is no room?” The hymn writer too is pleading with you, my friends, as he proclaims:
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?
Room for pleasure, room for business, But for Christ the Crucified,
Not a place that He can enter, in the heart for which He died?
Have you any room for Jesus, as in grace He calls again?
O today is time accepted; tomorrow you may call in vain.
Room and time now give to Jesus, Soon will pass God’s day of grace;
Soon thy heart left cold and silent, And thy Savior’s pleading cease.
Room for Jesus, King of Glory! Hasten now His Word obey;
Swing the heart’s door widely open, Bid Him enter while you may.
My friends, amidst this busy season, and all the many things you have to do, please find time for Jesus. Do not allow anything to cause you to shut Him out. He is calling. He is pleading for 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,
O 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.
Come into my heart,
O Lord Jesus,
I need Thee through life’s dreary way;
The burden of sin is so heavy,
Come into my heart to stay.
Come into my heart,
O Lord Jesus,
Now cleanse and illumine my soul;
Fill me with Thy wonderful Spirit,
Come in and take full control
About the Author: Mrs. Marilyn Hodge owns and operates the Wellness Centre in the Farrington, Anguilla. The Centre offers Counselling Services by Appointment Only. Contact information: 476-3517 or email: marilynb@anguillanet.com. Referrals can also be made directly through the Atlantic Star Center of Medical Excellence, South Hill, Anguilla. By Appointment Only: Tel 497-0765.
