“And she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloth and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:7)
The poor innkeeper gets such a bad rap in the retelling of the Christmas story. There are illustrations, songs, and plays that depict a grouchy miser refusing hospitality to a cold, pregnant woman yet we only have this small line in Scripture with no mention of an innkeeper. The story relates that a census was being taken and everyone had to return to “his hometown.” Bethlehem was probably busting at the seams and several people had probably been turned away completely but Mary and Joseph found a place in the stable.
I recently read an article discussing the makeup of many homes in Israel around the first century that claimed stables were often the lower level of a residence. During cold months, the stables would act as a furnace heating the house. Those of us from West Texas can appreciate the smell of such a furnace. But if this were the case then the overly scrutinized innkeeper would have offered Mary and Joseph that last inch of space left.
What space do you have available for those in need? I was recently talking to a good friend that just opened his home up to a family in need. He and his wife had a spare bedroom that is now helping a single mom and her two kids get things back on track. This friend is also a foster parent to three siblings. Talk about a busy house!
When we use the extra space in our lives to help others we are building strong community. It may seem awkward or even forward to invite people to partake of such a small portion of leftovers, but to some it is a grand meal. After all, there was still enough room for shepherds, wise men, and angels to join in on worshipping the birth of a King!
Jonathan Sullivan is the Pastor at First Baptist Church, 1201 Western Circle Dr., in Dimmitt, Texas. Our Christmas Eve service is at 6pm and worship this Sunday at 8:30 and again at 10:30. Come celebrate with us.