Day 23 — Making Room in a Crowded Heart
“And she gave birth to her firstborn son… and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” — Luke 2:7
Summary
The words “no room” echo quietly through the Christmas story. While the world was busy, full, and unaware, Jesus arrived without a place prepared for Him. Yet even then, God’s plan moved forward — love still came down.
Advent invites us to pause and ask a searching question:
Is there room in my heart for Him?
Preparing Him room does not begin with decorations or traditions. It begins with awareness — recognizing how easily our hearts become crowded.
Insight for Today — When Life Is Full, the Heart Can Become Closed
Crowded hearts are not always rebellious hearts. More often, they are busy hearts — filled with responsibilities, expectations, distractions, worries, and even good things that leave little space for stillness.
The inn was not hostile to Jesus. It was simply full.
In the same way, our hearts can be so full that we miss the quiet invitation of Christ. Advent gently calls us to slow down, to notice what has taken up residence within us, and to make space for what matters most.
Preparing Him room means choosing presence over pressure, surrender over striving, and attention over distraction.
Going Deeper — Clearing Space for the Savior
Making room often requires letting something go. Not everything in our hearts is sinful, but not everything is necessary. Some things crowd out peace, prayer, and awareness of God’s presence.
As Advent draws us closer to Christmas, God may be inviting us to release:
the need to control outcomes,
the pressure to meet expectations,
the noise that fills every quiet moment,
or the worries we’ve been carrying alone.
Jesus does not demand a perfect space.
He simply asks for a willing one.
When room is made, love enters — even if the space looks humble, simple, or unfinished.
Pointing to Jesus
Jesus did not arrive demanding comfort or recognition. He came humbly, quietly, and gently — and He still comes that way today.
He is not looking for the most impressive place in your life.
He is looking for an open one.
When you prepare Him room, you are welcoming not just a child in a manger, but a Savior who brings peace, healing, and transformation wherever He is received.
Reflection/Prayer
Jesus, as I walk through this Advent season, show me where my heart has become crowded. Help me release anything that is taking Your place. I want to prepare room for You — not only in this season, but in my daily life. You are welcome here. Amen.
Application Question
What has been filling your heart and attention lately? What might God be inviting you to lay down in order to make room for Him today?
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Thank you for being part of this journey. I pray these Scriptures continue to prepare your heart as you prepare Him room this Advent season.
