It is the most wonderful time of the year!  We have sung, or heard this song several times this month.  However, statistics show that it is also the most stressful time of the year.  Everyone seems to be a little on edge as the stress to buy the perfect gift creeps in.  What we seem to forget about is that the perfect gift has already been given.  It is a gift that fulfills the wants that a hungry soul desires.  It is a gift that we tend to forget about in the business that ensues during the Christmas rush.

In Luke chapter two we read about Mary and Joseph having to go to Bethlehem for a census that was decreed by the Roman Empire.  Bethlehem was a tiny town and many people were from there, but not many lived there.  There were only about 500 residents there at the time of Christ’s birth.

With a population that small, and many converging on the city for the census housing would have been in short supply.  However, we are all innkeepers that need to decide if there is room in our heart for Jesus.  We live in a society that pulls us many different directions.  Often times we lose track of what our priorities should be.  It would make sense that out top priority would be the savior of the world, but sadly during this time of year we tend to think about “stuff”.  Will you make room for Jesus in your heart this holiday season?  Or will you turn him away and say there is no room for you? 

Jesus is the perfect gift that was given to us.  Rejoice and be glad. 

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, that you for all you have done for me.  Help me to remember what is important this time of year.  It isn’t presents, but you and your presence.