It's hard to believe it's that time of year again. Advent is upon us. The time when we are supposed to take four weeks to prepare for Christmas. I find it ironic that just as life gets busier with Christmas cards, extra church activities, presents, travelling, and various Christmas events, the church year asks us to prepare for the coming of Christ. PREPARE?!? I don't have time to prepare. I can do it in the summer when there's a little slower pace, but not now. Life gets more and more crowded with things to do. I can't add one more devotional, or prayer time, or ritual to my day!
I wonder if that's how the innkeeper felt so long ago. It was the busy time of year with all the crowds coming in for the census. Business was good...but it was busy. So when Mary and Joseph arrive, there's just no room, no time, no way. I believe the innkeeper wanted to help this young couple in desperate need which is why he tried to provide for them. But what he didn't do was MAKE room. He didn't set PRIORITIES.
I feel like that's what happens to me sometimes. I just let Advent and Christmas happen...the cards, the presents, the activities...but it's almost as if they control me, not the other way around. Maybe this year it's time to MAKE room in my life, because I know that room isn't just going to happen. Maybe this year it's time to set priorities and put first things first. Maybe this year, I need to invite Advent inn, preparing a space so that Christ can be born in my heart once again.
Are you inviting Advent inn this year?
