Making Room

Bible Reading: Luke 2:1-7

Ava listened as her Sunday school teacher told the Christmas story. “Mary had a big tummy because Baby Jesus was almost ready to be born,” said Mrs. Keller. “But even with her big tummy, Mary and Joseph had to take a long trip, all the way to Bethlehem. Back then, there were no cars, buses, or planes—so Mary and Joseph had to walk the whole way.”

They must have been very tired when they finally arrived, thought Ava.

“Okay, class. Stand up,” said Mrs. Keller. “Let’s pretend to be Mary and Joseph.”

Ava and her class followed Mrs. Keller. They walked around the church, stopping every once in a while at a pretend door.

Knock, knock, knock. “Do you have room for us to stay?” the students asked.

But every time, Mrs. Keller said, “No! There is no room for you.”

Ava felt sad. Why wouldn’t anyone make room for Mary and Joseph? Why wouldn’t they make room for Baby Jesus?

“Mary and Joseph finally found a place to stay in a barn,” Mrs. Keller said when they returned to their classroom. “That’s where Jesus was born.” Ava’s grandpa had a barn, and she knew how cold and stinky it was. “Jesus came to earth that night because He loves us all so much,” Mrs. Keller said. “Have you heard Him knocking? Have you made room for Him in your heart—have you trusted Him as your Savior?”

I trust Him, Ava thought.

A couple weeks later, Ava’s parents said they had something important to talk about.

“Ava,” said Dad. “How do you feel about another child coming to live with us?” He explained that there were children in foster care who needed safe and loving places to live.

“We would like our home to be one of those places,” Mom said.

“It will be tricky,” said Dad. “You will have to share your toys and craft supplies, and you’ll have to share our time and attention too.”

Ava thought about her Sunday school lesson. She thought about Jesus being born in a stinky barn because He loved everyone so much. She’d made room for Him in her heart, and she knew He wanted her to make room for others too.

“Yes!” said Ava. “Let’s do it!”

-Kate Rietema

How About You?

Have you trusted Jesus as your Savior? Making room for Him in your heart changes your whole life, because He fills you with love for others. How can you show others His love this Christmas? Maybe you can invite a new family over, make cards to take to a nursing home, or ask a neighbor to come to church with you. What other ideas do you have? Pray about it as a family, then do it!

Today’s Key Verse:
Luke 2:7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son…and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. (NKJV)

Today’s Key Thought:

Make room for Jesus