FRIDAY December 24, 2021
Christmas Eve
…there was no room for them in the inn.
Luke 2:7
Mary and Joseph traveled from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, to Bethlehem (Luke 2:4). It had taken them about 90 miles of cold and rugged terrain to get there. When they arrived in Bethlehem, tired and weary, the streets and inns were jam-packed with people who had traveled far and wide for the worldwide census (Luke 2:1-3).
Everywhere Joseph and Mary looked for a vacant room to find rest was filled to capacity. They must have knocked on so many doors to inquire if there was any place they could lie down and rest. As there was no room in the inn, the only location left open to them was a humble stable where animals where kept.
Imagine, it is Jesus who knocks on the door of every human heart, desiring to come in. He desires fellowship and to give them salvation. It is written: “Behold, I [Christ] stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me” (Revelation 3:20).
A repentant person receives salvation; they are redeemed and delivered from sin and its punishment of eternal death. They are set free to know, love and serve God. When they die, they inherit eternal life. Yet people are often too busy with their lives, and they fail to stop and consider this priceless gift of salvation.
Stop to think about the opportunity you have been given to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior. God loves you so much! Will you continue to ignore the gentle knocking on your heart, or will you respond and let Jesus come into your life? I hope and pray that you will find room in your heart for Jesus Christ this Christmas.
“Peace on earth, and mercy mild, God and sinners reconciled!”
~Charles Wesley~
For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!
