https://odb.org/2024/12/12/guest-room
An interesting fact from today’s ODB is that although we may have grown up thinking Jesus was born in an animal stable, it is actually a guest house but at the animals’ side of the guest house. This is because most translations of the bible translated the Greek word katalyma as inn when it is actually a guest house. Thus, the narrative was not that Joseph and Mary was turned away from an inn and sought refuge in a stable. Instead, they actually stayed with family at the guest house, but as there was not enough room, Mary delivered baby Jesus in the animals’ side of the katalyma. In those days, animals are brought into the guest house at the ground level during the night. Nevertheless, it is true that at the katalyma, there was not enough room for Mary and Joseph at the human side, and Mary gave birth to baby Jesus at the animals’ side.
The question this morning is that do we have room in our hearts for Jesus? Apostle John saw in Revelation 3:20 that Jesus is at a door and is knocking, waiting to enter. Are we ready to receive Jesus into our hearts? Do we have room in our hearts for Jesus to come in and dwell in our lives? Or have the cares of the world, the worries of life, and the deceitfulness of wealth choked out Jesus in our lives? Are we so busy chasing our careers that Jesus has somewhat disappeared from our hearts?
That is why it is pertinent that we start attending church again in the physical and not hide ourselves behind our screens wherever else we are. Online worship services served the purpose during Covid, but a church must be church again. In the world, Bursa Malaysia is getting listed companies to discontinue their virtual AGMs and EGMs and go back to on-site physical meetings. Most companies are back to on-site working. Are our churches still left behind in Zoomland?
This Christmas, let’s ponder whether we still have room for Jesus? Will we be left behind when Jesus comes again to meet His people? Create room for Him in our hearts. He is the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords!
Ronnie's Thoughts 