And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. ~Luke 2:7

When I was a child my parents sang in many Christmas cantatas. While performing, Born a King, by John W. Peterson, everyone in the choir dressed in robes fashioned after clothing in the time Jesus was born. My parents had the roles of Joseph and Mary, and sang No Room as a duet. It was over fifty years ago, and I still remember it perfectly. I recall being like a parent myself, so proud of them!

Christmas Eve is a good time to think of bygone days, family and friends still with us, and those who have left and are now with the Lord Jesus. In all you do this day I wish you the joy of the Spirit, and pray you feel the blessing of our Father in Heaven all around you today and in the coming year.

No Room (c John W. Petersen)

Have You Any Room for Jesus? (unknown 1871)

Have you any room for Jesus,
He who bore your load of sin?
As He knocks and asks admission,
Sinner, will you let Him in?

Refrain:
Room for Jesus, King of Glory!
Hasten now His Word obey;
Swing the heart’s door widely open,
Bid Him enter while you may.

Room for pleasure, room for business,
But for Christ the Crucified,
Not a place that He can enter,
In the heart for which He died?

Have you any room for Jesus,
As in grace He calls again?
Oh, today is time accepted,
T’morrow you may call in vain.

Room and time now give to Jesus,
Soon will pass God’s day of grace;
Soon thy heart left cold and silent,
And thy Savior’s pleading cease.