“And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn.” – Luke 2:7
There’s an irony in Jesus Christ’s birth narrative that still challenges us today. The Creator of all things, who spoke the universe into existence, found no room in His creation at His birth. Perhaps unknowingly, the innkeeper of Bethlehem became a symbol of humanity’s response to divine visitation—too busy, too full, no room.
Yet this same Jesus, speaking to His disciples in John 14:2-3, declares: “In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.”
The contrast is striking. The world had no room for Jesus, but Jesus prepared room for the world. Where earthly doors were closed, heavenly doors stand open. Where He was denied proper accommodation, He ensured abundant space for all who would receive Him.
This parallel carries a powerful message for us today. We are called to participate in Christ’s kingdom-building work through the prayer He taught us: “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” When we pray these words, we’re not merely asking for a future reality – we’re committing ourselves to be agents of that kingdom in the present.
Hearing of a young girl named Suri needing a foster home, the Martinez family opened their doors without hesitation. One evening, as Emma’s mother tucked her into her makeshift bed in the family room, she asked, “Do you ever miss your old room, sweetheart?”
Emma smiled, thinking of the paper chain she and Suri had made that now decorated their shared room. Each link was written with a different word representing the Christmas season. “Mom,” she said, “my room feels bigger now than ever.”
Her mother looked puzzled. “But you’re sleeping in the family room.”
“No,” Emma smiled, pointing to her heart. “This room. The one in here. Jesus made it bigger when I made room for Suri.”
The phrase “Let every heart prepare Him room,” from the beloved carol “Joy to the World,” isn’t just poetic – it’s prophetic. It’s a call to action for every believer to make room in their hearts and help others do the same. We prepare room for Christ when we:
1. Clear out the clutter of worldly priorities that crowd our hearts
2. Welcome His presence in every aspect of our lives
3. Share the gospel message that heaven’s doors stand open
4. Create space in our communities for others to encounter Christ
Jesus desires that a world that once had no room for Him prepare its hearts to receive Him. Through His sacrifice, He has made this possible, turning the “no vacancy” sign of Bethlehem into heaven’s welcome mat. The stable was temporary, but His Father’s house is eternal.
Prayer for Reflection
“Lord Jesus, forgive us for the times we’ve been the innkeeper, too full of other things to make room for You. Thank You for preparing an eternal place for us despite our rejection of You. Help us to be active participants in Your kingdom work, making room in our hearts daily for Your presence and helping others to do the same. May we never forget that the story that began with “no room in the inn” ends with “many rooms in my Father’s house.” In Your name, we pray, Amen.”
Take a moment to inventory your heart. What areas of your life might be crowded with things that leave little room for Christ? Consider one practical step you can take today to create more space for His presence in your daily routine. Then, consider how you might help someone else understand there’s room for them in God’s kingdom.
Josh Cehulik 