No Room at the Inn

One of our family traditions on Christmas day is reading the story of Jesus' birth in Luke 2. The angel of the Lord appearing before the shepherds announcing the arrival of the Messiah (v. 8-12) and the multitude of angels praising God and declaring peace to believers (v. 13-14) are a few of the glorious events recorded here. Yet we also find this somewhat sobering truth from verse 7: Jesus was wrapped in swaddling cloths and laid in a manger because there was no room at the inn.

Nearly two thousand years later, as the celebration of our Savior's birth get pushed further and further into a sea of other holidays under the guise of political correctness, we must ask ourselves--is there still no room at the inn? Sure, we can adopt a pharisee-like attitude and look down at those who would water down Christmas by saying "Happy Holidays" while we are pushing and shoving our way through the malls and stores trying to get just one more last-minute bargain. Amidst all of the activities and social events that revolve around Christmas day, do we ever take time to pause and reflect on the miracle that happened in Bethlehem that made these events possible?

Trust me, I'm not advocating a Grinch-like approach to Christmas. I love everything about Christmas: the special church services, the lights, the decorations, the carols, the joy and excitement in children's (and adult) faces as they open gifts, the celebrations. But what I love the most about Christmas is still that old story in Luke 2--the story that reminds us that for unto us is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord (v.11).

As we enjoy what is truly the most wonderful time of the year, let us not forget the miracle of Immanuel. The Wonderful Counselor. The Almighty God. The Everlasting Father. The Prince of Peace. And as we continue into the start of a new year, let us make sure our hearts are open to Him and that there is room at the inn.