Making Room for Jesus: A Christmas Reflection

Dec 21, 2024

Every Christmas season, I’m reminded of a simple yet powerful truth: we all need to make room for Jesus.

Think about the Christmas story for a moment. Mary and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem, tired and searching for a place to stay. But every place they could stay was full. The Savior of the world ended up being born in a stable, laid in a manger meant for animals.

It’s a story we’ve all heard, but here’s the question: What does it mean for us today? Is there room in your heart and life for Jesus this season, or are you so busy and distracted that He’s left standing outside… waiting?

Let’s talk about what it looks like to truly make room for Him.

A Full House

figurines of the nativity of jesus

Life gets busy, doesn’t it? Especially during the holidays.

There’s shopping to do, family gatherings to attend, and endless to-do lists to manage. Even the good things—like decorating the house or giving gifts—can leave us feeling stretched thin.

If I’m honest, my heart can feel a lot like those overcrowded homes in Bethlehem. Packed with worries, plans, and distractions. Maybe you can relate.

But here’s the beauty of Jesus. He doesn’t need a perfect, spotless room. He’s willing to come into the humble, messy places of our lives—if we make space for Him.

Making Space for Jesus

So… how do we clear the clutter and create room for Jesus this Christmas? Here are three simple ways to start:

1. Pause and Reflect

The first step is slowing down.

Find a few quiet moments each day to pause. Maybe it’s early in the morning before the house wakes up or at night when the world feels still. It doesn’t matter… just find that time and place.

Use the time to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. Ask yourself:

  • What does Jesus’ birth mean to me?
  • How can I make Him the center of this season?

Even a few minutes of prayer, reading Scripture, or simply sitting in silence can help refocus your heart.

2. Let Go of Distractions

The truth is, we can’t make room for Jesus if our hearts are already full of everything else.

What’s one thing you can let go of this season? Maybe it’s an unnecessary commitment, a nagging worry, or even a little time spent scrolling on your phone.

Letting go isn’t always easy, but it’s freeing. And it creates the space Jesus longs to fill with His peace and love.

3. Invite Him In

Making room is important, but it’s only the first step. The next is to invite Jesus into your life.

This is as simple as praying, “Jesus, I welcome You into my heart and my life. Help me to focus on You this season and live in Your love.”

You don’t have to have all the answers or have it all together. Jesus came into the world in a messy stable, and He’s more than willing to meet you where you are.

Living With Jesus

Once we make room for Jesus, the real transformation begins. His presence changes everything—not just during Christmas, but all year long.

Here are a few ways to keep living with an open heart:

Share His Love

The shepherds couldn’t keep the good news to themselves, and we don’t have to either. Look for simple ways to share Christ’s love with others. A kind word, a helping hand, or a thoughtful gesture can make a big difference.

Lean on His Peace

Life will always have its challenges, but with Jesus, you don’t have to face them alone. Spend time in prayer, read His Word, and let His peace fill your heart.

Celebrate His Presence

Christmas is about more than traditions—it’s about celebrating the greatest gift of all: Jesus. Let that joy overflow into everything you do.

A Christmas Invitation

This season, I want to encourage you to pause and ask yourself: Have I made room for Jesus?

It’s easy to let the busyness take over, but the beauty of Christmas is found in the quiet moments when we open our hearts to Him.

If you haven’t invited Jesus into your life yet, there’s no better time than now. It doesn’t have to be complicated or formal. Simply pray and ask Him to come into your heart.

Here’s a simple prayer to get you started:

“Lord Jesus, thank You for coming into this world for me. I want to make room for You in my heart and life. Please come in and help me to follow You. Amen.”

Keeping Room for Him

Making room for Jesus isn’t a one-time thing. It’s something we choose to do daily.

This Christmas, let’s focus on what matters most. Let’s clear the clutter, quiet the noise, and make space for the One who came to bring us hope and peace.

What about you? Is there room in your heart for Jesus today?

The beauty of Christmas is that it’s not just a story we tell. It’s an invitation to let the Savior into our lives, not just for a season, but forever.

Merry Christmas, my friend. May your heart be filled with His presence this year.

Let's Talk

Hi there! Dave Peterson here… I really enjoy coming your way via this blog. But what I enjoy even more is personal conversation. We can chat about an upcoming decision, a practical challenge you are facing, a project you are working on, a transistion, a dream… You name it! Or maybe just the theme of today’s newsletter.