No Room

He has to be one of the most despised characters in the Christmas story, second only to king Herod. The innkeeper is often portrayed in Christmas plays as selfish, cruel even, for making an expectant mother, and by extension, the baby Jesus, sleep in a barn.

Probably a more accurate depiction of this character is the owner of a family home who simply was up to his ears in relatives and was handling it the best he could. Still, wasn’t there someone who could’ve given up their room for Mary and Joseph? I hope I would have.

Of course, we know the story played out the way it was prophesied to, but the character of the innkeeper begs the question, do we make room for Jesus today?

I know I don’t always get it right, but I will always be thankful to my parents for setting an example of keeping Jesus first. Whenever Christmas fell on a Sunday, we always went to church first, then opened presents. One Christmas, a man at our church wanted to go to a local nursing home and pass out fruit. We were the only family who joined him. I still remember what I got for Christmas that year, after waiting all day. What I remember the most, though, is how it felt to minister to others before enjoying the gifts that the season brings.

He gave the best gift of all. Will we make room for Jesus in our hearts and lives this Christmas?

*Dear Jesus, thank you for your gift of coming down to earth, putting on flesh and being one of us. You know what it’s like for no one to have room for you. Help us, Jesus, help us to make room for you in practical ways this Christmas season. In Jesus name, Amen. *

Throughout this Day: What’s something practical you can do this year to make room for Jesus?

Here is an article about true giving at Christmas: https://thelife.com/christmas-generosity-moving-beyond-social-obligation