December is here, and with it comes the usual flurry of holiday activity. Calendars fill up. To-do lists grow. Lights go up, and Christmas music plays everywhere.
It’s easy to get swept up in the busyness. But Advent, the season leading up to Christmas, invites us to something deeper. It’s not just about preparing our homes—it’s about preparing our hearts for Christ.
Is There Room in the Inn of Our Hearts?
The Gospel of Luke reminds us that when Mary and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem, “there was no room for them in the inn” (Luke 2:7).
This moment from the Christmas story raises a powerful question for us today:
Is there room in our hearts for Christ?
In a world filled with stress, distraction, and constant motion, it’s easy for our hearts to feel too full—full of plans, worries, and obligations. But Advent is our chance to slow down and make space for something far more important.
Advent Is an Invitation to Prepare
The voice of John the Baptist still echoes during this season:
“Prepare the way of the Lord; make his paths straight.” (Matthew 3:3)
This is not about building roads—it’s about clearing space inside ourselves. It’s spiritual preparation, not logistical.
We can start small:
- Set aside five minutes of silence each morning
- Turn off the radio while driving and simply listen for God’s still, small voice (1 Kings 19:12)
These simple choices help clear the path for God’s presence in our everyday lives.
Clearing Out Spiritual Clutter
Advent is also a time to ask ourselves:
- What spiritual clutter is taking up space in my heart?
- Is it resentment, fear, or simply too much busyness?
Like cleaning out a crowded room, we may need to release some old habits or thoughts that no longer serve us. Through reflection, confession, and forgiveness, we open the door for Christ to come in.
Making Room Through Acts of Love
Making room for Christ isn’t just internal. It’s also something we live out through acts of hospitality and compassion.
We prepare room for Christ when we:
- Welcome the stranger
- Care for our neighbors in need
- Show grace to the people around us
Jesus says, “Whatever you did for the least of these, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40). Every small act of love makes room for His presence.
Receive the Gift of Christ with an Open Heart
This December, let’s not rush through the season. Let’s walk with intention and faith.
When Christmas morning comes, may we all be ready—not just with gifts wrapped and meals prepared, but with hearts open and prepared to receive Jesus, the greatest gift of all.
He is Emmanuel—God with us.
With peace and joy,
Pastor Rob