The turkey is in the oven- the aroma of sage and pancetta fills the house. I swept, mopped, vacuumed the carpets, clean the bathroom, rinsed out the sinks, made my bed, and did the dishes. And as I sit on my couch in a nice and clean apartment (something I haven't know in two months [don't judge]), I cannot help but wonder, is this even worth it... it's just going to get dirty again.
Today, on the occasion of Thanksmas (a made-up holiday between Thanksgiving and Christmas used as a way to celebrate togetherness with my college family), I have cooked and clean all for one moment. A moment that will be loads of fun, I'm sure. But it is still just one moment that will come and go. And everything has to be perfect. The pates have to match the cups, and the turkey has to be prepared in a special way... all because today is a special day. But when I think about how much effort I am putting into Thanksmas I am wondering about my preparation for Christmas.
Think of that first Christmas. Mary and Joseph are traveling on a donkey...POP! It's time for baby Jesus to be born. But there was no room for Him to be born. Jesus didn't say, "Alright mom, I'll just hang out in here for a vacancy to open up." No... "I am coming and I am coming out NOW! I have waited ever since Adam and Eve ate of the fruit. This is the time, IT CANT WAIT!" And so, the only place left for Jesus to be born was a cave in the side of a mountain with a bunch of stinky animals.
So what does this mean for me? Jesus was born, right? God made it work... Yes. But wouldn't you want the king of the universe to be born into something more than a cave? Doesn't he deserve something more. Doesn't he deserve to be born into my heart? As I prepare for Christmas, I have to wonder, will there be room for Jesus in my heart? What are the things that crowded the inn so that Joseph and Mary could not get a room? We are all apart of the body of Christ, but how often do we let unforgiveness, angery, or jealousy take the open rooms in the inn (our hearts). For me, I know that I could do some serious house cleaning. This Christmas, clear out those rooms so that Joseph and Mary may bring Jesus into your world and thus into our world. Mend those relationships that have broken the body of Christ.
If God is love and love demands a response, what will our response be to God when he asks us to love Him? Because, like it or not, Jesus is coming! Will you put off cleaning out your rooms that are packed with past hurt and failings, or will you make some space?
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