Day 2 — No Room

“While they were there, the time came for her Child to be born. And she gave birth to her firstborn, a Son. She wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”

— Luke 2:6–7 (BSB)

If a king were going to be born today, where would it happen? Probably in the nicest hospital in the country, with doctors and nurses rushing around, reporters waiting outside and a golden crib ready at the palace.

But when the King of kings was born, it didn’t happen that way at all.

Mary and Joseph lived in a town called Nazareth. But the Roman emperor ordered everyone to go to their family’s hometown to be counted. Joseph’s family came from Bethlehem, so they had to travel there, about 90 miles, mostly on foot, while Mary was about to have a baby.

When they arrived, the town was packed. Every place was full. “There was no room for them in the inn.” So Jesus, the Son of God, was born in a place where animals were kept. Mary wrapped Him in strips of cloth and laid Him in a manger, which is a feeding box for animals.

Think about that. The one who made the stars slept in a feeding trough. The one who owns the whole world had no room of His own.

Why would God do it this way? Because Jesus didn’t come to be served by important people in palaces. He came for everyone, including the poor, the ordinary and the overlooked. From His very first night, Jesus showed that no one is too low for Him to reach.

It also shows us how humble Jesus is. The Bible says that though He was rich, He became poor for our sake (2 Corinthians 8:9). He gave up the glory of heaven to be born in a stable.

There’s a question in this story for us too. In Bethlehem, there was no room for Jesus. Is there room for Him in your life? Sometimes our days get so packed with school, games, screens and activities that we squeeze Jesus out. But He’s knocking, and He wants to come in.

Think about it: What might be crowding Jesus out of your life right now?

Try this: Make room for Jesus today. Choose one thing you’d usually spend time on, and spend that time talking with Him or reading about Him instead.

Dear Jesus, You are the King of everything, but You were laid in a manger where animals ate. Thank You for being so humble and for coming to ordinary people like me. Please help me make room for You in my life every day. In Your name, Amen.