By Dan Jean
Isaiah 9:6-7
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given.
There would be no room for the family tonight even if Mary seemed ready to give birth. The innkeeper who turned Joseph and Mary away was just doing his job. There were no empty rooms. There was nothing left of the evening meal and everything was put away. It was late. He was tired. Please, just go somewhere else. He didn’t realize that this mother was chosen, this birth special, and that upon the shoulders of this child-to-be would rest the future of the world. The innkeeper couldn’t know that this babe would be called “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and the Prince of Peace.”
Today there are mothers carrying babies who have no place to stay. These babies have no permanent home, and the future they face is clouded with doubt. No one seems to care what potential they have. No one sees their gifts. No one gives them a safe place to be born and grow. Please, just go somewhere else.
Governments tussle over borders and budgets. Walls promise to keep strangers out and us safe. Fear overshadows compassion and care, even for those who cannot care for themselves. Principles, policies, and positions speak for us. Please, just go somewhere else.
The child of Christmas, born in a manger, ushered in the kingdom of God showing the way toward justice and righteousness for all humanity. The baby Jesus would promise hope for all babies born, calling them all to life abundant and eternal. In this season we are challenged to stand in the innkeepers shoes. Will we make room for those who need a place? Do we turn them away? Isaiah answers our doubts. “The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.”