In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 All went to their own towns to be registered. 4 Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. 5 He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.-Luke 2:1-7 NRSV
Room At The Inn
In Luke chapter two we read about Mary and Joseph having to go to Bethlehem for a census that was decreed by the Roman Empire. Bethlehem was a tiny town and many people were from there, but not many lived there. There were only about 300 residents there at the time of Christ’s birth. Every inn in the town was full.
With a population that small, and many converging on the city for the census housing would have been in short supply. However we are all innkeepers that need to decide if there is room in our heart for Jesus. We live in a society that pulls us many different directions.
Often times we lose track of what our priorities should be. It would make sense that out top priority would be the savior of the world, but sadly during this time of year we tend to think about “stuff”. Will you make room for Jesus in your heart this holiday season? Or will you turn him away and say there is no room for you?
The Time Is Now
This year has brought many experiences that none of us have gone through. The year has brought a global pandemic, a highly contested presidential election, and racial strife. In short, there are a lot of stressors that we have had with our everyday lives.
If we have not already, this is the time to make room in the inn of our hearts for Jesus. As a people we have fallen victim to the culture of me. The unholy trinity of me, myself, and I has become the focus. It is time for a change. That is a lot of pressure. In Matthew 11:28 Jesus says, “Come to me, all you that are weary and are carrying heavy burdens, and I will give you rest”. This time of year we sing the popular Christmas carol titled Joy To The World that implores every hear to make room for the king. The world desperately needs Jesus. It starts with us.
Saint Quotes
You must ask God to give you power to fight against the sin of pride which is your greatest enemy – the root of all that is evil, and the failure of all that is good. For God resists the proud. -St. Vincent de Paul
It is not hard to obey when we love the one whom we obey. -St. Ignatius of Loyola
We must fear God out of love, not love Him out of fear.-Saint Francis de Sales
Who except God can give you peace? Has the world ever been able to satisfy the heart?-Saint Gerard Majella
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