If you were the innkeeper?
In Luke’s gospel chapter 2:7 it records of the first Christmas …and she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn..!
I love watching the Christmas plays where the children act out these precious scenes of the first Christmas. I remember hearing of one such play where the children each had been given their roles and their lines. The role of innkeeper went to a young boy who had down syndrome. His lines were simply to say, “Sorry, there’s no room in the inn!” He practiced and practiced these seven words over and over taking his role and his words ever so seriously. The big night came, it was a full church, the play was going smoothly thus far then it was time for Joseph with Mary in tow, to knock on the innkeepers door and it seemed to go pretty smoothly.
The young innkeeper, opened the door as Joseph knocked and gave his seven words with gusto, then slammed the door shut as was his task.
But that was not the end of it, as Joseph and Mary walked off as the play demanded at this point, all of a sudden the door to the inn flew open, out stepped the young innkeeper, tears streaming down his eyes and he shouted at the top of his voice, as loud as he could, “Joseph, Mary and baby Jesus, come back, there is room, you can have my room!”
The parents and others attending were taken back by this change in the script and the extra twelve words. The young boy turned to the audience stunned but then as one they all stood and clapped and cheered like they have never done before at the Christmas story! The young boys tears turned to an amazing grin and joy just leapt out of his eyes.
Each time I read that story, I am humbled by its innocence, power and example! This Christmas your the innkeeper, no one can enter into your space except you invite them, even God. Will you take the lead of the young boy and set aside your room, your time, your space, your convenience to allow God in your life for Christmas?
Please don’t let Him walk away from your life because you have no room!