December 18

As I read today’s verse, I can’t help but imagine what Mary must have felt in that moment. As a mother, I know the mixture of emotions and exhaustion that follows birth. Mary faced it without the comforts I took for granted. No quiet hospital room, no soft blankets and ice chips, no place prepared just for her. But there in the most unprepared space, she held the Savior of the world. Her arms became the safest place on earth, even when the world around her offered no room.

When I think about my own children, the craziness of daily life often leaves me feeling like there’s “no room” left. No room for rest, no room for stillness, no room for quiet amongst the piles of laundry, homework, and another meal to prepare. But Advent reminds me that Jesus makes His home in the imperfect, unprepared parts of my life where I simply make room for him to be near.

So, in this season, I’m learning to pause, remembering that Jesus meets us where we are. When we light the candles or read a scripture or even just set aside a moment of quiet, we’re creating space where there wasn’t before. And as we do, He comes just as he did that night, filling that space with a peace that only comes from Him. May our homes, however busy, become mangers where Jesus is welcomed again.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, help us make room for You in the messy everyday moments of our lives, welcoming Your peace into our hearts. Amen