Luke 2:7 (KJV) “And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.”
During the Roman census ordered by Caesar Augustus, Bethlehem was overcrowded. Many homes had a guest room, which was already full. Mary and Joseph could not get a room in “the inn” which was likely a guest room in a private home, not a commercial hotel. When Jesus was born, He was laid in a manger - a feeding trough for animals, usually found in a stable or animal shelter. Perhaps, if the owner of the inn knew who the child Jesus is, he would have made room for Him by all means.
The inn represents a crowded heart, crowded with business, crowded with obligation, and crowded with self-interest. There was room for travellers, room for commerce, but no room for Christ. In this month of December, this Bible story calls us to examine our PRIORITIES. In this Christmas season, “busyness” can crowd out intimacy with Christ if we are not careful. Busyness is not necessarily sin, but it can become a subtle enemy of intimacy with Christ when activity replaces attention to Him. Martha was busy serving Jesus, yet she missed sitting at His feet. Her service was good, but it distracted her from fellowship. Jesus did not rebuke her work; He corrected her priority (Luke 10:38–42). A believer may be involved in many church programmes, committees, and services but gradually loses time for prayer, personal Bible study, and quiet communion with God. We must be wise in this season. Activity for Christ must never replace intimacy with Christ.
Written by: Andrew A. Esemudje