Saturday, December 12, 2009

Room for Jesus



I am so glad that there is room for Jesus in the White House this year. The nativity scene creche pictured above is being displayed in the East Room, as it has been every year since 1967, by every administration. Apparently, there was a consideration that it wouldn't be this year and I don't know all the details on that, except it has something to do with the President's family planning a "non-religious Christmas." From what I read, "tradition" won out after all, and that certainly is a good thing from my vantage point. A Christmas without Christ would be like Valentine's Day without love if that makes any sense. That would have been sad indeed.

Now that that has been apparently settled, what about us as individuals? Is there room for Jesus in your home and mine this year? Or will we be too busy with decorating, cookie baking, and running to stores? Not that these things are wrong, of course, but they are if they crowd out Jesus. Let's make sure we give the Christ child His rightful place in our lives and remember the reason we celebrate this holiday in the first place. And most importantly, I hope we remember why His first coming was so important and what He accomplished when He came. Is there room in your heart for Jesus?



Thou dost reign on high with a kingly crown,
Yet thou camest to earth for me,
And in Bethlehem's home was there found no room
For thy holy nativity:
O come to my heart, Lord Jesus,
There is room in my heart for thee.


10 comments:

Susan said...

I always look forward to your post, Maxine. You so often edify us and inform us. This one did both. I was not aware of the information about Christmas and so glad you shared this with us. I think it is alarming that the Obama's (our PRESIDENT) wanted to have a NON-traditional Christmas. God is still on the thone, no matter what!!!!!
Susan

Laurie said...

Thank you, Maxine, for your post today. I was feeling heavy-hearted after the death of a dear friend's great grandson, only 1 day old, and also of hearing that another friend has now turned to Hospice after a year-long battle with cancer is failing. She loves Jesus and there is great comfort for her family in knowing they will see her again and be with her for eternity. All of this puts the reason for celebrating Christmas into focus, and I know that keeping Jesus as my center of my plans for Christmas is the most important thing. Your words help me to keep this focus, Maxine; indeed, I am so blessed to have met you. Thank you for your words of encouragement on my blog, also. You are such a blessing to many. God is sovereign!

Sandra said...

Christmas without Jesus is just Un-American!!! I'm so glad the nativity is being displayed again this year in the White House.

Linda said...

A beautiful post Maxine. I am glad the creche is in its proper place. I am purposing to give Him His proper place in my heart too. Thank you for this.

Cathy said...

I read that same thing, Maxine. Thank goodness it is still there. A great post ~

Susan said...

Maxine - Please drop by my blog. I just passed an award on to you.
Susan

sparrow's song said...

WoW, what a beautiful Nativity set!

A Christmas without Christ would be like Valentine's Day without love if that makes any sense.

How beautifully said and what a perfect analogy.

Wishing you a blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year. (sending hugs)

... said...

i hadn't heard anything about this controversy so i've just gone and done a little internet hunting on what's being said on the subject.

evidently, it was a white house social secretary who reported that the first family was considering having a non-religious Christmas. the white house later made this statement regarding the nativity scene: "Discussions about inclusiveness did not include whether or not to display it but rather how to display it during the Hannukah party.”

either way, it is disturbing to think that the Obama's didn't think enough of it and it's meaning to proudly display it. we have become a society that worries more about what is politically correct than what our convictions are.

as a side note; in reading through some articles, i found out that the obamas don't give christmas presents to their children. i don't understand that one at all. i'm going to do a little more research on that.

Maxine said...

Thanks for that good input, Diana.I like it when people take the time to look things up and find out for themselves. I'm glad it's there and that our country seems to be still offically celebrating the religious aspect of this holiday.

I had heard before that the family did not give Christmas gifts to their children, but I think I heard that about birthday gifts also. I think I'll go check that out also.

LisaShaw said...

Thank you for sharing precious sister. Coming by to say Blessed CHRISTmas and New Year to you, your husband and precious family.