While they (Joseph and Mary) were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
Luke 2:6-7
The timing of the census couldn’t have been more inconvenient, or should we say, more perfect. It was prophesied the Messiah would come from Bethlehem. Joseph and Mary made the journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. It must have been quite a tiring journey for a young pregnant woman. When they finally arrive, the local inn had a “no vacancy” sign on the door. One can only imagine the thoughts going through their minds as Mary states the reality, “It’s time, Joseph.” Rather than the comfort of a warm room, they settle for a cold stable. Stables were typically a cave-like structure dug out of rock walls. It is a cold and dirty place surrounding the birth of this child. This picture speaks volumes to us today. The lack of room in the inn is sadly often reflected in our own lack of room for Jesus to be born without our hearts. The cold and dirty stable reveals the cold and dirty world we live in. The Messiah enters the cold, dark world with no servants tending to Mary, no pomp or circumstance. He enters simply and even unexpectedly.
I wonder about our own lives. Do you and I have room for Jesus? Or do we have a no vacancy sign on our hearts? How many times have I pushed Him outside into the stables rather than granting Him residence in my heart? May I ask you a question? Is your view of Jesus like that of a Hallmark card? The Christmas cards depict a beautiful picture of Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus. Everything seems so perfect. The nativity scene in the yard depict a glowing baby Jesus. They are too perfect, too pretty, too….safe. But the events surrounding what we like to refer to as the Christmas story are anything but safe. Herrod orders all male children 2 years and younger to be slaughtered. Why?Because this “baby” would change the world. Following Jesus is anything but safe. He calls us to total life change. He turns our thinking upside down. He says the last will be first, the way to gain life is to lose it. He is radical, and calls us to a radical life if we so choose to follow Him.