Several years ago I was in training as a chaplain at a large hospital. A large part of the training was visiting in-patients each day. As a chaplain in training, we took interest in the patient and also interest in their spiritual condition. If the patient was interested, we could pray with them and also share the good news of Jesus. During my training I spent most of my time ministering to patients who had orthopedic surgery. These patients were expected to make a full recovery.
I entered one room and greeted the patient, who was in his mid 50’s, I introduced myself. After a time of brief conversation, I asked him if he was interested in prayer or hearing about Jesus. At that point, he asked me to leave as he was not at all interested in Jesus. I politely respected his wishes and left the room. Just a few hours after this visit, the man suddenly died very unexpectedly. I was probably the last person in his life to ask him if he was interested in knowing Jesus the Savior. Sadly, there was no room for Jesus in the inn of his heart.
In our Christmas story, Mary was about to give birth as they traveled from Nazareth in Galilee to Bethlehem for the Roman census. 4 So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. 5 He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. [1] Luke 2:4-7.
Throughout our lives Jesus knocks at the door of our hearts. We read in Revelation 3:20, “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.”[2]
The greatest gift we will ever receive is the gift of Jesus as our Savior. When did you receive the gift of Jesus? What were the circumstances? If you have not received the gift of Jesus as your Savior, there is no better time than today. Take time to confess your sins to the Lord and ask Jesus into your heart to be your Lord and Savior.
As we reflect on the gift of Jesus give thanks to the Lord for His grace and mercy He has shown you. Merry Christmas!
Listen to a conversation about the Christmas story: https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/series/god-steps-into-time/the-gift-of-jesus
[1] The Holy Bible: New International Version. (1984). (Lk 2:4–7). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan.
[2] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation (Re 3:20). Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Publishers.