“Then Mary gave birth to her firstborn Son, and
wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger—because there was no
room for them in the inn.” --Luke 2:7
I think the innkeeper and
his wife have gotten a bad rap.
Traditionally they have been portrayed as inhospitable. Why, we wonder, didn’t they give Mary and
Joseph their room? Or boot someone out
who was less worthy and give them that room? After all, Mary was about to
deliver. How hard-hearted can you
be—making them go to the stable.
Actually, the innkeepers
were very welcoming to this couple in need.
They might have turned them away totally. But instead they gave them what they could—a
humble but cozy stable, private, safe.
These humble but devout
Jewish innkeepers were practicing the true faith—welcoming strangers. God commanded this basic courtesy of
hospitality: “The stranger who sojourns with you shall be to you as the native among
you, and you shall love him as yourself; for you were strangers in the land of
Egypt: I am the LORD your God.”
--Leviticus 19: 34
God’s heart is open to
all who will come. From the beginning he
wanted not just the Jewish nation but also the nations of the world to come to
him. And [God wanted] that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As
it is written: “Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles; I will sing the
praises of your name.” Again, it
says, “Rejoice, you Gentiles, with his people.” --Romans 15: 9 - 10
God’s heart is open wide. He welcomes in all who are willing to come to him regardless of their tribe or
clan. This was Jesus’ point when he told
the Good Samaritan parable where the despised Samaritan cared for the Jewish
wounded man. Being a “neighbor” means
welcoming an outsider.
Christmas is a time for
welcoming. People who don’t worship at
any other time of the year will worship during Advent and Christmas—perhaps at
Village. Be on the lookout. Welcome guests by being as friendly as you
can. Leave your friend group and seek out newcomers.
And in your personal
celebrations of Christmas, welcome someone who is alone, grieving, hurting or
discouraged. Or at a party, look for the
person standing awkwardly by himself.
In Matthew 25 Jesus says,
“For I was a stranger and you welcomed me …”
Jesus will come to us in the form of a stranger this Christmas. Will we recognize him? Will we welcome him?
Prayer: Lord,
show us that your love is so wide and wonderful that everyone is welcome. Forgive us for restricting your love just to
our church family. May we open our arms
to the strangers whom you send to us.
And may we lavish on them your love.
In Jesus’ name. Amen.
--Pastor Ken
