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The Devotional Diva - No Room
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The Devotional Diva - No Room
By Barbara Gobbs
Executive Assistant and Ministry Partner - Pocket Full of Change Ministries
“And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths; and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them at the inn.” Luke 2:7 (NAS95)
Last week we made a short but meaningful trip to the Tampa area. The purpose was to attend my niece’s Christmas program. Jessica is 18 and in her senior year at a private Christian Academy. She is a very bright young woman with a bright future ahead of her, not that I am biased.
Now the scheduled program had a special appeal compelling us to make a four hour drive for one hour of production. This event was not only performed exclusively by the students, but it largely written by them as well. Apparently the teacher assigned the title and some detail but the five scenes enacted were each written by a separate group of students and then pulled together to make an entire program. My niece narrated the program but she also authored one of the scenes.
If you are like us, you’ve witnessed many youth presentations. They can be a real treat to attend. However, this program exceeded all our expectations and I feel compelled to share the message with you, as it convicted my heart deeply. The only word I have to describe the message and the enactment is brilliant!
The play opened with a rush of young people flooding the auditorium with shouts of Happy Holidays and Season Greetings. There was a Merry Christmas sprinkled here and there. Upon assembling on the stage, each person pronounced an overly commercialized aspect of the Christmas season. Shouts of “EBay!” “Sale!” Lights!” and “Eggnog!” filled the air.
After a few moments, Jessica appeared on the scene and sat center stage, reading from the book of Luke, the passage we know as the Christmas Story. As she read with conviction and a heart for Christ, those around her surrounded her with even louder shouts of commercial chaos. Cries of “EBay!” “Sale!” Lights!” “Shopping” “Eggnog!” “Happy Holidays!” roared around her until you could no longer hear the message of the Christ child. Hmmm. . . .
Five scenes ensued. Each one depicted a person/persons caught up in personal issues – busyness, peer pressure, marriage and financial strife – all portrayed with startling accuracy. Each scene also contained Christ trying to make His way back into each life where no room had been left for Him. Heartfelt narration tied each scene together where it flowed seamlessly from one episode to the next.
In most plays, there is usually a time where a pivotal moment occurs. Often, it brings the audience to silence as they reflect on the importance and reality of what they just heard. This production was no different. That moment came hard and landed right on my heart like the proverbial ton of bricks. The message is compelling and pleading and cannot be ignored.
One day over 2000 years ago, Jesus was born in a stable because the innkeeper told His parents, “no room.” Today, we are all innkeepers. We are innkeepers of our own hearts. Will you be the one to say, “There is no room for Jesus here today.”
Before we start criticizing the world for turning Christmas into chaos, we must check out our own hearts first. I can’t think of anything else to say.
Making Room,
Barbara
Barbara Gobbs is a ministry partner with and the Executive Assistant of Pocket Full of Change Ministries. For more information, to schedule a speaker for an event, or to request a newsletter, go to www.pocketfullofchange.org or call Gail Golden, Publicist at 904 316-5462. This ministry is supported by donations. If this ministry helps you or others, and God calls you to help support this work, you can make a donation to Pocket Full of Change Ministry at POB 51205, Jacksonville Beach, Florida 32240.
© Pocket Full of Change Ministries
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