One Night In Bethlehem

   As Joseph entered the inn the inn-keeper quickly came to him.  Not to offer him a room but to tell him there was no room.  This was the same answer he had gotten at every inn in Bethlehem.  Because of the census, the town was over-flowing with those who must register.

   “Sir,” Joseph pleaded, “we have been traveling for days and my wife is to give birth.  She is exhausted and weakened by the journey.  I fear for her health.  Please, isn’t there room somewhere so she can rest before the baby is born?”

   The inn-keeper looked at Joseph.  Perhaps he saw the anguish in his eyes; anguish that he was unable to find room for his wife and concern for her well-being.  Still, there wasn’t a single room left in his inn.  He knew that all the inns were just as crowded as his.  Yet he wanted to help.

   “Go around the side of the inn.  In back there is a small cave which is a stable for our few animals.  There is perhaps an empty stall that you may use.  I know it isn’t much and I wish I could do more, but at least it will give you some shelter.”

   Joseph grasped his hand thanking him for his generosity.  “God will bless you for your kindness.”

   He apologized to Mary that they would have to stay in a stable; ashamed that he had been unable to secure better lodging.  Mary smiled and said, “It is good Joseph, this is perfect.  It is meant to be this way.”

   This night our savior was born, let us welcome Him and make room for Him in our lives.

   “And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.  And in that region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.  And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them and they were filled with fear.  And the angel said to them ‘Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people; for to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”  (Luke 2: 7 – 11)