“And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.” – Luke 2:7
When Pastor Edwin first introduced Las Posadas at Ascension I was intrigued because it’s a part of the Christmas story that’s not often focused on. Las Posadas is a Spanish religion festival commemorating the journey that Mary and Joseph made from Nazareth to Bethlehem in search of safe refuge where Mary could give birth to the baby Jesus. Mary and Joseph move from place to place searching for lodging, but at each stop they are told “There is no room for you here” and are sent away.
I was captivated by the energy being poured into telling this important part of the Christmas story because it illustrates a profound message for us during the Christmas season: Do I make room for Jesus?
At my best, I hope the answer is yes. I hope that my words and actions every day reflect Jesus – that my life is a witness to God’s love. I hope that I’m living out my faith and listening to the nudges from the Holy Spirit to take advantage of the opportunities God gives me to love and care for my neighbors.
But I know that my answer isn’t always yes. Life is busy, and I’m human. Even as a pastor in full-time ministry, there are plenty of times when I miss chances to reflect God’s love, or even find myself intentionally avoiding doing something I know God would want me to do. I suspect this may be true for you as well. It’s so easy for the busy-ness of life to push aside our connection with God. I find it ironic that this seems especially true during the Christmas season!
The Christmas story is a story about making room. Mary made room when she said yes to God, “…Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” (Luke 1:38) Joseph made room when he accepted the angel’s explanation of his fiancé’s pregnancy and changed his mind about ending their relationship, “When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife.” (Matthew 1:24)
The shepherds in the fields made room by taking a break from the demands of their job, leaving their flocks, and hurrying to Bethlehem to see the newborn baby in the manger, then spreading the good news all over town, “So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child.” (Luke 2:16-17) The Magi made room by leaving their homes and traveling to a far-away land on faith that a star would lead them to a king, “…Where is the child who has been born king of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising, and have come to pay him homage.” (Matthew 2:2) And of course, God is the one who started it all, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world but in order that the world might be saved through him.” (John 3:16-17)
So, what are the ways we can make room in our heart, our calendar, and our lives for Jesus? Maybe it will be welcoming a new family moving into our neighborhood, or generously helping someone whose needs are greater than what they have to offer, or perhaps it will look like something in-between. Whatever it is, as you and I celebrate this Christmas season and beyond, I pray we will simply open ourselves to whatever the Holy Spirit is doing to help us make room for what God is doing in our lives and in our world. Merry Christmas!
Pastor Tony
