What? No room?

​And Mary said, "Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word." And the angel departed from her. Luke 1:38

Joseph and Mary began their long journey to Bethlehem with an old donkey, a basket of bread, and a flask of water. And, yes, a small bag of coins. Joseph hoped there would be enough to pay the taxes Rome required, with a small amount remaining for necessities along the way. The journey was long and arduous, extending over hills and across the river Jordan. Being close to delivering her baby, Mary found travel difficult as she bounced and joggled along on a scrawny, aging donkey. But walking would have been out of the question.

I can't even imagine what that would have been like. Creature comforts are usually taken for granted. But not for Mary and Joseph. It was a way of life. So, on with the story. . .

Please, I'm So Tired!

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They arrived in Bethlehem late at night, hoping to find lodging. The masses journeying to their ancestral home were as numerous, it seemed, as the stars dotting the sky. Something told Joseph it would be almost impossible to find a place where Mary could rest her weary body this night. The birth pangs were closer together now. His betrothed moaned quietly, then more strenuously, as she bent her body in pain. "Father, help us!" It was an unbearable torment to see his sweet Mary suffer. "Open up a room, a stable, SOME place for my love. Please, Abba! She is brave and strong but. . ." His plea faded into the darkness.

Mary was only human. But she was carrying the Son of God, right? So why did she have to suffer?

No Room on the Horizon

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It was late when the odd couple trudged into town, Mary seated on the donkey, head bowed, exhausted, ready to close her eyes in sleep—and Joseph, many years her elder, showing himself tall and strong, mentally readying himself for what was to come. They searched desperately for a space to ease their aching bodies as door after wooden door shut in their faces. Innkeeper after unbending innkeeper declared the identical proclamation: "No room." ​

When We are Helpless, Then God Steps In

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How could there be no room for the Son of God? Incredible. Unthinkable!

Then I pondered this sad truth. . .

Haven't we left Jesus, the Creator of the Universe and Savior of our Souls, out in the cold? Stubbornly wanting to go our own way? Saying, "There is no room in my heart today"? Yes, sadly, it's true.

But God the Father was unfolding His plan for the Holy One who would be born that night. Mary and Joseph  found a place to rest--a crude, smelly stable. A place the common shepherd would find familiar. Why? Because God's Son was to be accessible to all. Rich and poor. Wise and Simple. Old and Young. Everyone.

Jesus is the Savior of All

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That includes you and me.  Let’s welcome Him with anticipation—of what He will accomplish in us! He wants our hearts--our total devotion. Are we ready to give it?

​Prayer: Jesus, I want to open the door of my heart wider this Christmas and give You the honor and obedience You deserve. May it be a gift that brings you joy.

Speaking of the heart, if you have a middle-grader who loves historical novels with action, but are intimidated with long chapters, consider The Heart Changer for the New Year. Valentine's Day is just around the corner!

You can find The Heart Changer on Amazon by clicking the image above.