“…he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.” Luke 2:21 NIV

Good morning, DearOne.

It doesn’t happen often, but I inherited a soapbox gene from my dad. You really haven’t heard anything til you’ve seen Verle Coon completely wound up and making his point. You know you have witnessed pure passion when you witness it. He’s mellowed a lot in recent years so instead of daily bouts of frenzy, we only get one or two a year. A few of his grandsons let that same strand of DNA loose occasionally, too. When it happens, even if it is a touchy subject … just knowing it’s origin always makes me grin a little inside.

I’m a little worked up this morning. If you were here, I’d probably climb on my platform and slather you with a soapbox rant. Here’s my plight: why is it Christmas and we aren’t hearing the name “Jesus” at every turn?

Could it be that the Christ Child has been pushed out?

Could it be we have no room?

“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born,  and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was NO ROOM for them in the inn.”  (Luke 2: 6,7 NIV)

A birth.

A manger.

No room.

Funny that we know that. Yet – my racing thoughts are wondering … are we really any different today?

Cards to write.

Parties to attend.

Gifts to buy.

Baking to be done.

Cleaning the house.

Wrapping the gifts.

Decorating the house.

Relatives to visit.

Lights to be hung.

Meals to be prepared.

Stockings to be hung.

Well, you get point. Still no room. We must choose to make room for Christ in our lives.

Let’s go on this mission together. Let’s see how many times we can say the name “JESUS” each day through this season. Let’s truly get passionate about bringing Him into absolutely every minute of our days. Oh, the thrill of honoring Him by bringing Him into every talk. Let His presence bless you and me and everyone each day as we meet folks on this Jesus journey. May each soul walk away from us lifted by the presence of Christ from our talk.

Wake up.

Count how many times you say “Jesus” today.

Go.