Make Room: A New Season of Welcoming Jesus and Others

On Wednesday night, something special happened during our worship and prayer gathering. A lady, her face partly hidden under a hat, caught my attention. She was there in disguise on purpose. Her name: Emily Argote! Emily, a Brazilian woman baptized at The Grove two years ago, came back to surprise us! Since her baptism, her faith has influenced her family deeply: her son and daughter-in-law came to follow Jesus and were also baptized. Now, they are sharing the gospel with their children.

Though Emily moved to Melbourne, she still calls The Grove her family, joining us online each week. Her visit was a powerful reminder of how God connects people across places and backgrounds. In a beautiful moment that night, Emily led us in prayer in her native language, filling the room with a deeply personal expression of worship.

Today, as we begin our new series "Make Room" in Luke 1-2, Emily’s story reminds us of God’s heart for all people. Luke’s account shows how Jesus always made room for others to come to God. Unlike the innkeeper who had no space for Mary and Joseph, God always has room for those who seek Him. Just as Emily and her family found a place in God’s family, the invitation extends to all. 

The past 30 days have been a sacred season for us, strengthening and comforting our faith. Now, we sense God’s call to make room for more people, to move forward in faith, and to share His love with those around us.

How Can We Make Room for Jesus and Others This Season?

As we approach Christmas, here are some ways to live out this call:

• Make Room for Jesus Personally: Set aside time in His Word, reading through the Gospel of Luke. Use this season to deepen your relationship with Him.

• Make Room for More at The Grove: Help create a welcoming space by parking next door on busy Sundays or greeting someone new. Small actions make room for others to feel at home.

• Make Room for the Next Generation: Pray regularly for our youth and consider supporting our church’s ministry as we invest in their future.

• Make Room for Those Seeking Jesus: Invite someone to Alpha this Wednesday, where they can explore faith in a welcoming environment.

• Make Room in Our Schedules to Share Jesus’ Love: Look for daily opportunities to share Jesus with those around you—in your workplace, neighborhood, and community.

• Make Room for the Holy Spirit’s Work: Join us in prayer weekly and come together to worship, respond to God’s Word, and connect with each other.

Jesus made room for us—He came humbly, welcoming all to experience His love. 

As we respond in worship, let’s also open our hearts and lives to others in these final 

months of 2024. Let’s make room for more to come.

Marty