There Is Plenty of Room in the Inn
I have a beautiful picture hanging in my office titled There is Plenty of Room in the Inn. It is a painting of Mary and Joesph holding the newborn king surrounded by a room full of children crowding in to see the light of the world. I am in awe every time I look at that painting, especially because of the look of excitement and anticipation of the children longing to see their newborn king.
That is what the Christmas story and this season should be all about. Longing and anticipating seeing the king. However, when you read the scripture story in the bible, we see a different picture being painted of the world.
Mary and Joseph were unable to find any rooms at the local inn after traveling to Bethlehem. The town was full of tired, grumpy travelers that forced them to look for alternative accommodations. Imagine the worry and fear this young couple went through. They were in a crowded village searching for a place to simply lay their heads after a long journey. Every place they looked, the doors were being shut in their faces and I am sure discouragement was starting to set in.
Then the miracle happens! A simple inn keeper extends an invitation by saying, “There is a stable that you can use to find shelter for the night.”
It is time for us to extend the same invitation to the Lord — in our busy lives when we often say we are so overwhelmed by the crowding of worry, fear, and doubt in our hearts. It is time to make room for the Lord. I pray that I can have the same excitement and to be filled with wonder and awe at the gift being born into our world.
This season, imagine what our lives would be like if we said that we are never too crowded for the Lord, that we took time to be like John the Baptist and leapt for joy at the sound of His voice, and spent time seeing the blessing of love He brings to our lives. Imagine if Jesus’ hope and peace became the focus of our lives.
As I look at the beautiful painting in my office, I pray that we can become like the children longing to see the newborn king. We know that there is so much darkness, fear and worry in our world. We also know of the promise being foretold by the prophet Isaiah: “That the people who walk in darkness have seen a great light…”
“For onto us a child is born that we will call Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6).
Let us invite the Lord into our crowded lives. Let us say “yes” to His amazing love. Let us all have the courage to go forth in this season of hope sharing the wonder and awe of God. May His peace fill your lives with grace and blessings. Most importantly, may you always know that God loves you. Today, let us make sure there is plenty of room in our inn by saying “yes” to the Lord.