No room. That’s how the story is told. A law-abiding citizen, travels to the city of his ancestors to pay taxes. The city is crowded and he is told repeatedly that there is no room for lodging. I can’t imagine his distress and concern, given his wife’s condition. Finally, he receives a small token of kindness with an offering of a stable, and it is there in those most meek and lowly of stations, that his wife gave birth.

I can’t help but ponder on the simple concept of “no room” because it is so powerful. What if one person had made room that night? What if one person had cared more for another than themselves and given their room for the safe arrival of her child and comfort of a woman on the brink of giving birth? How many times have I been guilty of not making room for things and people that matter?

The simple truth is that making room is a pivotal decision in each of our lives. What we make room for defines our character as well as our life experiences.

For all our getting, developing, technological advancing and knowledge these many years later, we still find ourselves guilty of the same human flaws that plagued our ancestors. As has been shared so many times and ways before, there is a constant battle within ourselves of good over evil. Greed and selfishness abound and all too often we turn a deaf ear and blind eye to the needs of those around us.

Perhaps there is much more to the humble birth of our Savior than we realize. It shows us that from the very beginning there would be many who would not make room for Him. He forces himself upon no one, yet He is always there waiting for us should we welcome Him. It is up to us whether or not we will make room for Him in our hearts and lives. And even if you don’t share my belief that the baby born that night is our Savior, I hope you won’t dismiss the powerful lesson of making room for others. What does it matter if we cross the finish line if those we were responsible for helping aren’t with us?

With a new year upon us, I stop to think on the space available. An entire year is there to fill with what we choose. What will be most important to you? What will make it off your list of wishes, dreams and goals and into your life this year? What truths, peace and love will you allow to penetrate your heart? In short, what will you make room for?

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