23 Dec, 2011
Save a Room
No Room At The Inn 'Twas the Night Before Christmas
The Innkeeper wasn't mentioned in the Biblical account of Jesus birth, yet he has been included throughout the years. This fictional character of the Christmas story has become one of my favorite because of all he symbolizes for us in our busy 21st century lives. You see, Bethlehem had to be a chaotic place when Jesus arrived. Caesar Augustus ordered that everyone return to their hometown to be counted, and eventually taxed. Bethlehem must have been in full swing and most likely a chaotic. Yet in the midst of that chaos that night, God was getting ready to change everything for everybody through the birth of one baby.
Photo courtesy of images.google.com.
Luke 2:1-7 (ESV)
The Birth of Jesus Christ
1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
What Does God's Story scripture Teach Us About Making Room for Jesus?
I have often wondered what it would have been like to have been the Innkeeper. Whether or not there was an actual innkeeper, Bethelehm was full of people who were there for the census. Jesus was on his way into a world that just doesn't make room for him. While Christmas is still a couple of days away, many of us are already celebrating with family and friends. Our schedules fill up with parties and plans from everything to shopping, to movies, to parties and much more. Perhaps many of us will attend church this weekend, often squeezed in between more celebrations. But have we saved room for Jesus in the midst of our celebrations. Have we saved room to focus on the One for Whom we celebrate?
How can I connect today's God's Story Scripture to My Life?
- Are you leaving room for Jesus as the Christmas weekend begins?
- Make a list of the areas of your life where Jesus is getting left out.
- Read Luke 2 a few times this weekend.
How can I connect Today's Story, God's Story, and My Story with Others?
- Allow God to use you to remind others to save room for Jesus as we celebrate Christmas.
- Consider reading Luke 2 at a family gathering before you dive into the meal or the presents.
- Ask your family if you can lead a time of prayer with your family, thanking God for His plan to save us through Jesus.
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