Along the way I’ve discovered that when I squeeze God out of my life an empty void is left where He once reigned, and no matter how much stuff I cram into that empty space, no matter how many good deeds or activities I do in a vain attempt to fill that space, the emptiness persists.
When I contemplate the story of Christ’s birth there is always one piece of the story that disturbs me: No room in the inn. But sometimes my life becomes like Bethlehem on that night, filled and overflowing with worldly cares and concerns, so full that there is no room for the Creator of the universe.
I recognize the hustle and bustle of Bethlehem in my own life, the busy day to day activities that cause me to put my relationship with God in the shed behind the house, loudly declaring by my actions: God, there just isn’t room in my life for you. And I, just like most of Israel, miss out on the blessing, the joy, the hope, of Emmanuel—God with us. And, in the absence of Christ as the center of my life, a deep sorrow settles in and feelings of quiet despair stalks my every step. Sadly, I am too busy or too consumed by my own sorrow to recognize the truth—the void, the emptiness, the hopelessness is the absence of God in my life.
Thankfully, God never leaves me. When my despair and sorrow become too great a burden, I cry out to Him, and in the silence He whispers, “I am here. I am enough. I am the answer. I am the way; I am the truth; I am the life—the light of the world.” In the gloom that comes with my despair God reaches down and pulls me from the darkness into His glorious light.
So join me as I determine to return God to His rightful place in my life, as I bring Him out of the manger and give Him the place of honor—as King of my heart.
Final Thought: There is a vast void in each of us that can only be filled with the infinite love of God.
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