Global Church of the Nazarene Board of General Superintendents "There Is Room in My Heart" for Christmas 2014

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nazarene.org | facebook | twitter | newsletter sign-up | printer-friendly version  Our lives and schedules have become so packed that we have left very little room for Jesus. There Is Room in My Heart By Gustavo A. Crocker “She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them …” (Luke 2:7). As I was visiting one of the Caribbean islands this year to celebrate the ordination of several men and women into ministry, I could not help noticing that it was just early November and the stores were already decorated for Christmas.  “People get ready for Christmas early because there is so much to do, places to go, and presents to buy,” said the local leader, who noticed my surprise at seeing how early people prepare for Christmas in his country.  I began to think that perhaps this early preparation in many places does not have as much to do with the birth of Christ as with the busyness we have made it. I pondered on the many families who have filled their agendas with vacation plans, family visits, trips to shopping malls, and other related activities that make this season festive. Yet, many people have only used the birth of Christ as an excuse (albeit a good one) to get together, give gifts to our loved ones, and have extended holidays. Our lives and schedules have become so packed that we have left very little room for Jesus.  At the same time, this season brings back fond memories of my childhood at church back home. I remember spending weeks in preparation for Christmas plays and musicals. Because of the limitations of our poor surroundings, we did not have the expectation of presents or a vacation away from home—we looked forward to celebrating Christ's coming to the world. There was something unique about celebrating His birthday!  One of the songs I learned in preparing for the Christmas plays was a reminder that the busier the season, the less room there is for Christ. It also reminded the church that even as He was born in Bethlehem there was no room in the inn for Him.  We can apply this lesson now and make room in our hearts for Him. That old song has some simple but powerful lyrics: “O come to my heart Lord Jesus, There is room in my heart for Thee.” As we celebrate Advent this year, my prayer is that we pause often to celebrate Christ in the midst of our busy schedules. I pray that we make room in our budgets to share with someone in need as if we were giving to Christ himself. I especially pray that this season will be the best time for us to make room in our hearts so Christ becomes the full owner of our lives.   Permission is granted to use this newsletter in church publications. These newsletters are not for resale.

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