31 Days of Christmas – Day #7

I Did The Best I Could

Joseph and Mary were in a hurry at Bethlehem. It had been a long 80 mile journey from Nazareth, and the time of Mary’s delivery was at hand. It was logical that they would stop at my place of business. I am the innkeeper. Now mind, you, I’m not the only innkeeper in Bethlehem, just the one you remember. And I’m afraid you remember me for the wrong reason.
Oh, it’s true I told him, “I don’t have a room to give you. No, not for any price. The whole town is full.”
Joseph pled with me because his wife was ready to give birth any minute. I’ll never forget the pleading sound in his voice. It was almost like a prayer: “Please, do something to help us. Don’t turn us away.”
I told him, “I understand. Believe me, I understand your anxiety and your wife’s agony. My wife and I just had a baby boy six months ago.”
Joseph countered, “But your understanding doesn’t help. We need a closet or a private corner. Just some place to be alone.”
And right here is where you think I really blew it! Hard-hearted businessman whose only concern was monetary profit and advantage. But you’re wrong. I’d have done anything for that desperate couple. There was no place for them to go. The crowds in town for the tax census had filled up every nook and cranny. People were already sleeping in the streets. I’s have let them stay in my room, but it was already rented!
So, here was my solution. We did have a stable at the inn. Not what you’d call grand accommodations, but it did get them off the streets and out of the weather.
I sent them there and we brought blankets and water and made them as comfortable as possible.
My wife and I were right there when Baby Jesus made His entrance into this world. We were so happy for Joseph and Mary. Our hearts were overflowing with joy. And then some shepherds came in from the fields where they had been watching their sheep. They said they had been sent by angels to find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes, to this stable, to my inn.
Just think, the hinge of history became a reality right where I lived. You’re right. I didn’t have much to offer. But I did what I could to welcome the newborn King.
This Christmas, will you do the same?

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