Welcome back to A Word from the Vine. I'm Pastor Loren, and today, we're continuing our series on "God in the Midst of Our Mess." In our last episode, we journeyed with Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem. Today, let's talk about making room for Jesus in our busy lives.
Imagine the scene in Bethlehem. The town is bustling with people who have come for the census. Every inn is full, and there’s no place for Mary and Joseph. In Luke 2:7, we read:
And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
The Son of God was about to enter the world, and there was no room for Him. People were too busy, too preoccupied, or maybe just too unaware of what was happening right in front of them. The inn was full, and the best they could offer was a stable.
Isn’t that how it feels sometimes in our own lives? We get so busy—so distracted with schedules, responsibilities, and worries—that we forget to make room for Jesus. We let other things take priority, and before we know it, our hearts are too full for Him to enter. We fill our days with work, errands, social media, and countless other activities, leaving little to no space for the One who matters most.
But the good news is, He doesn’t need much room. He doesn’t need a palace or a grand entrance. He just needs a willing heart. Jesus is not looking for perfection; He’s looking for an invitation. He’s looking for a heart that’s open, even if it’s cluttered with the messiness of life. Revelation 3:20 reminds us of His gentle invitation:
Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me.
Tonight is an opportunity to clear out the clutter—to make space for Jesus and let Him in. It’s a chance to pause and reflect on what truly matters. In the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, let’s not miss the profound simplicity of the Christmas message. Jesus came into the world in the most humble of circumstances, and He continues to seek out the humble places in our hearts.
I remember a particularly busy Christmas season a few years ago. My schedule was packed with church events, family gatherings, and endless to-do lists. I was so caught up in the busyness that I almost missed the true meaning of Christmas. One evening, I decided to take a quiet walk and reflect on the nativity story. As I walked and prayed, I felt a deep sense of peace and realized that I needed to make room for Jesus in my heart, amidst all the chaos. That simple act of pausing and inviting Him in transformed my entire Christmas experience.
As we gather here tonight, let’s take a moment to quiet our minds and open our hearts. Let’s invite Jesus into the messy, cluttered places of our lives. Let’s make room for Him, not just tonight, but every day. Because when we do, we find that He brings peace to our chaos, light to our darkness, and hope to our hearts.
Thank you for joining me today on A Word from the Vine. I hope you’ll tune in next time as we continue to explore how God is present in the midst of our mess. Until then, may you experience His peace and presence in your life.
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