The holiday season is filled with laughter, shopping, parties, warm clothes, carols, hope, excitement, hot chocolate, baked treats and plenty of cheer. When shopping in the mall or driving through the neighborhood how often do you see Nativity scenes? When you see these Nativities what is the first thing that catches your eye? Is it the animals, the Wise Men, the shepherds? For me the first thing that my eyes are drawn to is in the very center, the manger, right in the middle of all the action, the center of attention.

This small bed where our Savior first slept was probably nothing more than some pieces of wood nailed together that was used to feed animals. It was not a royal throne of gold, with big pillows and soft blankets. Yet this is the place where Jesus lay. Although his parents did not have much to offer this new baby, they wrapped him snugly in cloths and made a warm bed for him.

At times it may seem that we may not have a lot or enough to offer Jesus but like his parents we can offer him love and a place in our hearts. So this holiday season as your schedules are busy and your minds are racing I encourage you to keep room in the center of your hearts to love Jesus and to share that love with others.