The Inn Keeper

Luke 2:7 "...and laid Him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn." We know the story—Joseph and Mary traveled to Bethlehem to register as this was their hometown. While there Mary gave birth to Jesus, but He was born in a barn.

The inn keeper was so busy preparing for the hundreds of people coming into Bethlehem to register for the census. He knew people would need places to stay. People would need beds, food, places for their donkeys or camels. This would be a good opportunity to bring in some much needed cash. In all the town, everyone was making preparations for this big event. Rooms filled up quickly.

Then Mary and Joseph came, but the saddest answer, "There is no room." If only the inn keeper knew who he was turning away. Well, he didn't really put them out on the street, "hey, I do have room in the barn," snickering out his offer. They took it. And Jesus was born.

Why would he do that? Why do we, anyway? Why do we turn Him away? We are just too busy getting ready for the holidays. The tree needs to be decorated, stockings hung, shopping done, take the kids to see santa, and the list goes on. Is it in preparation for Jesus? Do we involve the poor, the widow, the orphan? Do they get the left-overs?

If only the inn keeper had known, I'm sure he would have found the perfect nursery for Mary and Joseph. But it passed him by. If we have no room for Jesus, He will find room in the heart of an orphan digging through the garbage pile. He isn't afraid of dirt, or the most dispicable situation. Or the barn.

Want to know how I know that? He came into my heart and life. Have you let Him in? Is there room?

God bless you