The Bethlehem story of there being no room at the inn may be a shadow of things to come. In a busy world where real Christianity is pushed aside to make room for traditions, holiday shopping, and decorations, we might ask if there is room for Jesus today. We are encouraged in the hymn, Joy To The World, that every heart should prepare him room.
But how do we do this when there are so many pressures on us, so much to get done before Christmas Day?! “Did we spend enough? Did we spend too much? I thought we weren’t going to get caught in that trap this year!” Someone even shared a photo with me of a store display. (I believe yesterday Dec 23.) 
Normally, on Dec 23 you would expect to find Christmas decorations and wrapping available. But no, this store though it urgent to get out the Valentine and St. Patrick decorations…BEFORE Christmas even arrives! Sound familiar? No wonder more people become depressed this time of year than any other.
Billy Graham offers three simple but effective suggestions to make room for Jesus this Christmas:
Simplify – Make a list of everything you think you have to do before Christmas. Then ‘check it twice’ and cross off all the things that really aren’t necessary to a real Christmas celebration.
Plan – Instead of running aimlessly from one activity to another, and getting worn down in the process, plan ahead. Recruit others’ help in getting things done. Share the joy!
Focus – Reserve time for quiet times of thanks, for experiencing the peace and joy that God intends for you to discover in being still, to cease from doing and simply enjoy his presence and the gift of friendship. Ponder his Word, especially the true Christmas story in Luke chapter 2. Experience how very much God loves you.
“See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!”
1 John 3:1
