THE STORY OF JESUS: Luke 2:1-7
“Because there was no guest room available for them.” (Luke 2:7)
Middle Eastern culture is known for it’s strong hospitality.
Yet no one would take in an young expectant mother?
Maybe the town was full for the census
Maybe all the spare rooms were spoken for.
But no one would take them in, make room somehow?
I have seen people perform acts of kindness in the moment.
Give up their seats, go the extra mile, take in a stranger, share their limited food.
I cannot imagine how no one made room… maybe people did not know about them?
If they were to come today, would we make room?
If that family living in a car were them, would you give them room in your home?
If that homeless person was Jesus, would you feed Him, take Him in?
If we knew Who Jesus was, or where He was, would we find a way to meet Him, to serve Him?
Jesus continues to make incognito appearances today, through people around us.
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” (Matthew 25:40)
Do we have room for Jesus when He shows up in our lives – as a neighbor in need?
What do you sense the Lord saying to you?
PRAYER
Lord, open my eyes to see You and Your family as You pass through my day. May I have room available for You and them in my heart. May I make room for You and them in my life.
Observations/Application
The census ( a reminder that they were under Rome’s control) meant traveling – about a 60 km trip. They arrived without fanfare. No expectation among the people. Just the ‘common’ among the common. There was no room for them at the inn – no hospitality. No open door. And He was born among the creatures of the creation. This was totally different from John’s birth and certainly different from the angelic proclamation and the shepherd’s praise. Jesus in ‘disguise’.
And where did I see Jesus today? How’s my hospitality? Do I have the open door for Him or those He sends my way?
I need to be like Abe, welcoming the guests, the strangers, making my home theirs with open arms.
Help me daily Lord to be a blessing to others with my hospitality. It is the Lord God we are serving.
Joy to the world, the Lord is come!
Let earth receive her King;
Let every heart prepare Him room,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven and nature sing,
And Heaven, and Heaven, and nature sing.