Let Every Heart Prepare Him Room

In pondering the Christmas story in recent days, I've been focusing on the various characters in play:  people so much like you and me. 

I have to admit, I've always been a bit irritated with the innkeeper.  I mean, how could he turn away a pregnant woman in labor?  And how dare he turn away the Son of God!

"No room.  No room for the Savior."

But then the truth and the conviction hit in rapid fire succession:

I'm just like that innkeeper.

So many times, I've filled up my life with lots of stuff.
Good stuff, mind you.
Relationships and service and ministry.
But sometimes...
when my schedule if full of good stuff
and my to-do list is long
and I forget or neglect to be still...
I crowd Him out.
In essence, I am saying,
"No room for You."

I'm humbled and deeply convicted at the realization.

My heart's prayer and longing is for Jesus to take up full residence in my heart;
to make Himself at home and have complete access to my plans, my goals, and my dreams.
I want Him to be Lord of all of it, not just the meager portions I sometimes try to give Him.
May I gladly welcome His Presence and invite Him to have His way in me, this Christmas and always.