Innkeeper's Dilemma

“Joy to the world! The Lord is come; Let earth receive her King; Let every heart prepare Him room, And heaven and nature sing.” -Isaac Watts

The innkeeper in the Christmas story gets a bum rap. He is often characterized as a hard-hearted curmudgeon who would not open his door to a young couple in need. But the way I see it, his motel was sold out and he gave Mary and Joseph the best he could! “While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:6-7) A roof overhead, a cushion of hay beneath, some walls for protection and privacy, and a manger for a crib. That was all the innkeeper had, but he made it all available. The innkeeper had an obligation to his guests; he couldn’t just kick them out to make room for Mary and Joseph. Fortunately, our choice is much less complicated than the one he faced. In our case, the ignoble and unworthy occupants of our hearts can be evicted – if we want. We must choose to make room for Jesus this Christmas. Anything that displaces Him needs to go.

Dan Bolin President Refueling in Flight Ministries, Inc