No Room in the Inn

I didn’t get to participate in the Walk Thru Nativity this year. I missed being a part of it. It’s a great tradition of the Christmas season.

One of my most memorable roles over the years was playing the Innkeeper. I was the bad guy having to tell Mary and Joseph over and over again to move along since there was “no room in the inn.” I felt like such a heel having to do that. I’m looking at Mary’s pregnant tummy that is holding none other than the Savior of the world and rejecting them time and time again.

We all have our “innkeeper” moments when we don’t make room for Jesus. The Innkeeper in the story of the Nativity had no way of knowing that he was turning away God’s son. That excuse just doesn’t work for us. We don’t suffer from a lack of awareness - just maybe a lack of desire, motivation or discipline.

My “innkeeper” moments come often as a result of things that I would consider mostly good. At times I will place a higher priority on hobbies, working out or career instead of spending time with God. I know which is more important but that doesn’t always translate into making the right choice.

Spending time with God is not hard - though we often try to make it that way. He doesn’t require an appointment or any preparation. He doesn’t care how we are dressed or even what mood we might be in. It’s truly “come as you are” - just come. One truth that I have learned in life is - the things that are easy to do, are also easy not to do.

Matthew 13:22 And the one sown with seed among the thorns, this is the one who hears the word, and the anxiety of the world and the deceitfulness of wealth choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful.

The busyness and worries of life choke out our desire to make room. A steady pattern of this will lead to unfruitful lives. Making room for God each day keeps our hearts turned toward His like young sunflowers that are looking to grow by turning throughout the day to face the sun. This should be us - always seeking to stay in right relationship with Him.

Make room,

Big E

Matt. 5:6