Luke 2:7 AMPC
And she gave birth to her Son, her Firstborn; and she wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room or place for them in the inn.
One of the most stunning observations about Jesus' arrival on the world's stage was the fact that there was "no room" for Him!
Everyone was so busy going about their own business, obeying the Roman decree of the census. Government decrees were the important thing for them.
Wouldn't you have thought that someone's heart would've moved them to give up their reservation for a heavily pregnant young woman?
Yet they were too preoccupied with their own comforts that they ignored the needy couple.
Can you imagine Joseph's stress as Mary started her labour pains? Where are we going to stay? Pleading with the Inn keeper, being in a hurry - desperate for help.
You get the feeling that Bethlehem was super busy and crowded.
What about Mary? How did she feel?
Trying to hold back till she had somewhere to lay down and give birth. How scary was that?
Finally, they were given a place with the animals! Come on ladies, how would you have felt, having your first child, far from home - in a stable? - no midwife, no bathroom, hardly any privacy!
Imagine the Queen coming to town and no one laying out the red carpet?
But, here we see "no room" for the son of God, the King of all Creation - how up to date is this verse?
Hasn't it been the case, for years now, that there has been "no room" for Jesus at His own birthday celebration? He's been replaced by imaginary Father Christmas and the reindeer in the sky!
Imagine, it's your birthday, everyone is having a party to celebrate - but you're not invited - your name isn't even mentioned. Everyone's getting gifts, except you.
You're excluded, left out, forgotten. Not a nice scenario!
Everyone has been carping on about how their Christmas has been spoilt this year. Hasn't Jesus' Christmas been spoilt for years on years? He hasn't been allowed to celebrate with us for ages! Yet He loves each one of us and longs to be with us - in fact "God with us" is one of His titles - "עמנו אל" - Emanuel.
Have you noticed how Christmas cards have gradually been degraded too? "Season's greetings, yuletide, happy holidays" - pictures of anything but the Christ Child!
What about me? Is there "no room" for Jesus in my Christmas? "No room" in my inner sanctum? Do I keep him on the outside, in the "meagre manger" peripheral of my life?
Maybe, at this time of isolation, shut off from friends and family, God can finally get our attention!
At this strange kind of season, may it be a time of rededication to the only One who can bring peace on earth and goodwill to us.
Take time to say "happy birthday" to Jesus and make Him the centre of the celebration where He belongs.
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