The poet T.S. Eliot once wrote, "Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far they can go." Taking a risk and entering the unknown begins a great adventure whose final destination is unknown and whose results cannot be calculated. God took a great risk and began a great adventure when he decided to send Jesus to the world.

The Creator of all that is, took a risk in giving his son to the world. In the mystery of the Incarnation, God began the enormous and sometimes painful adventure of entering humanity. In this powerfully loving action, he entrusted himself to a broken humanity that he gifted with freedom. Through Christ, God became vulnerable, and opened himself up to either being embraced or rejected by the people he created.

Through the birth of Christ, God poured himself into the human condition. Born in poverty amidst common farm animals, he chose to live the experience of most people rather than a life of privilege. During his earthly life, his teachings and miracles pierced hearts. His death and resurrection made way for the coming of the Spirit to set the world on fire with love.

In the Lord Jesus Christ, God takes humanity to the next level by fully connecting with all that we are He loved us so much that he wanted to be just like us. Although Jesus entered a world than is radically different that the one we know, human nature remains very much the same. While the essence of who we are reflects the image of God, our tainted sinful selves are sometimes greedy, cold-hearted, exclusive, unforgiving and abrasive. These elements can make us the people who say with the innkeeper in the Gospel of Luke, that there is no room in the inn.     

As we prepare for and celebrate Christmas this year, we are invited to risk moving into a deeper relationship with God. The call to be more generous and loving, more inclusive and forgiving stirs in us in anticipation of Christmas. We are summoned to make room in our hearts for the one who has loved us from the beginning. This time of the year, more than any other, bids us to unclutter our hearts. We may think we don't have time or that there's too much to do. We might believe that we are wasting time if we slow down and take time out to consciously work on our spiritual lives. The challenge to open the door of our heart and make room for Jesus Christ this season is real. If we are ready, our growth in faith can be a fantastic adventure.

How far are we willing to go with God? And just how far can God go with us? God awaits our response as we journey through Advent and celebrate the Christmas season. As we walk with the Lord during this holy season, let every heart, including our own, prepare Him room.