Do you know the underrated villain of the Christmas story?
No, not King Herod. He’s definitely the worst, but he also hogs the limelight.
I’m referring to the innkeeper.
“And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”
-Luke 2:7
Imagine the scene. You’ve got a frantic husband before you with a woman in labor on the back of a donkey. She’s tired and breathing heavy. Poor and desperate, the husband begs you for help.
“Sorry,” you shrug. “All full.”
Maybe you feel a little bit sorry, but what are you expected to do? You’ve got no room.
I can’t help but think if only he had known the gravity of the situation, maybe he would have made a little more effort. Setting aside the call for some human decency for a young couple in dire straits, this was the King of the Universe we’re talking about. God was moments away from becoming man. It was kind of a big deal.
Two thousand years later, we lovingly arrange our nativity sets on the mantle with shepherds and sheep, cattle and kings. You know who’s not in the scene?
That dastardly innkeeper.
Two thousand years later, we shake our heads and think, “What a lousy jerk” as we lament his lost opportunity.
On the other hand…
It’s Advent. Christ is coming.
How well have you made room for him in your life? Have you cleared space for him despite the fact your heart and calendar is cluttered with so many other competing commitments and desires?
I mean, you’d probably like to be more hospitable, but what are you expected to do? You’ve got no room in your packed schedule, especially this time of year. Maybe there’s a shack out back he can hang out in while you manage all your responsibilities.
Please keep in mind that if you feel like this is me pointing a finger at you, I’ve got three pointing right back at me. Where do we fit into the Christmas story? What role would we have played two thousand years ago?
What role are we playing today?
May this reflection remind us of the gravity of the situation. I mean, this is the King of the Universe we’re talking about. God becoming man. Jesus Christ is coming, and he wants to hang out with you!
It’s kind of a big deal. 🥳
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