“No Room”
Most people can tell the Christmas story with reasonable accuracy. In sharing with others, including Mary and Joseph being turned away at the Inn upon their arrival to Bethlehem must be included.
It’s quite sad when someone hears that part of the story for the first time. How could anyone turn away a young couple, especially a young girl about to have a baby. Surely something could have been done to provide a room for them.
Like anything else though, when something is full, it’s full! Even a hotel or in this case, an Inn. For centuries, lots of things have been said about the Inn Keeper. Some good, some bad, and others simply saying, “There’s nothing he could do.”
Because we have awareness and kind hearts, we think if we were in that situation, things would have been handled differently. Yet here we are, 15 days away from Christmas and how much time have we actually spent thinking about and worshipping the Christ Child?
Of course we’re extra busy this time of year. There are things to do, places to go, shopping, baking, and people to see. Plus, company is coming and the house must be cleaned! Oh, don’t forget the kids’ school and church programs. Plus the people we work for expect us to show up. And on time!!
Busy, busy, busy. We’re all busy and some will be so busy, Christmas will come and go and while we participated in the parties and gatherings – WE MISSED Its true significance.
The Inn keeper had not one extra room to give to Mary and Joseph. But he did suggest a stable which became the birthplace for baby Jesus. May I suggest something to you? STOP! Take a deep breath, find a quiet place, and focus upon the true meaning of Christmas, which is worshipping and celebrating the birth of our Savior. Don’ let your heart be so filled with things that you don’t have room to worship Him.
Pastor Carnes
