Only A Manger

There was no room for Jesus at the inn. We all know how the story unfolds from years of reading the Christmas story and singing carols. And we know all about the donkey and shepherds.

This year I’ve been thinking a lot about there being no room at the inn. Our tradition here at St. Andrew's is to have Suzanne preach at the one service on Christmas Day after the rector has taken the 3 services on Christmas eve. So, through my reflection as I listened to the sermon on Christmas Day last year, it occurred to me that the whole philosophy of "no room in the inn," from our economy of scarcity, sometimes fail to capture the real message of that aspect of the nativity narrative.

I think there was room in the right place for Jesus to enter our world. The inn room: whether we speak in terms of 5 star hotel rooms with king-size beds, or guest rooms in the home of family relatives, was not the right place for Him to be born. Only a manger was, and that with a reason.

The lesson and the question we may need to ponder from time to time, not only during this season may well be this: what is the suitable place for me/us at any point in my/our journey? Yes, there are times we deserve relaxation in cosy rooms and large beds. At times though, we need to find and be in our mangers - with the poor and the needy, the homeless, the oppressed and the voiceless, the prisoner and those marginalized...

In my ministry I spend a lot of time in other people’s homes and it always feels good to be made welcome. Giving and receiving hospitality is one of the ways that we show we value each other.
Each Christmas we celebrate the birth of the baby Jesus and, in a sense, we make space in our hearts for the coming of the Christ child.

This Christmas is an opportunity again for all of us to begin life afresh and to look to a future filled with hope and renewal. May part of it be for us to find our mangers. To find ways in which through us and in us, "every valley shall be lifted up, and every mountain and hill be made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places a plain. Then the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all people shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken" (Isaiah 40:4-5).

Make a place in your life for Jesus this Christmas and let God lead you to his hope filled future.

May your Christmas be Merry!