December 19, 2025-
Good morning beloved, happy Friday, Merry Christmas,
“And she brought forth her firstborn Son and wrapped in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”
(Luke 2:7).
Bethlehem was packed with so many people returning for the census that had been ordered by Caesar Augustus. He wanted everyone in the world to be counted. I am sure for pride as it was for taxes.
Only God could orchestrate His Son to be born in a manger. A manger was a feeding troth for animals. It couldn’t be hygienic, and just think of the smells and the sounds of all the all the animals!
Normally, the local people opened their homes to those coming into town. Even those accommodations were bursting at the seems. The Inn had no room for Mary, Joseph, and the Baby Jesus. At least the innkeeper had some compassion in giving them his manger.
The same is true today; the hearts of so many have no room for Jesus How sad is that! There is a wonderful gospel hymn, entitled, “Have You Any Room For By Jesus?” The second verse says. “Room for pleasure, room for business; but for Christ the crucified, not a place that He can enter, in the heart for which He died?”
Yes it seems the human heart has room for everything else; but for Jesus there is a no vacancy sign. Have a blessed day. Stay safe and healthy.
May we open our hearts, so Christ may enter in, to give peace and joy and save us from our sins.
Dean
Dean Allen's Daily Devotional 