Advent 2006
The Innkeeper

He is not mentioned in Scripture but plays a large role in the Christmas story. It was census taking time and all the inns were doing a big business. No vacancy signs wee hung everywhere, No doubt when Joseph came to the inn; the innkeeper saw no reason to find a place for this poor carpenter. True, he had a pregnant wife with him, but his appearance was such that he probably couldn’t pay for a room if one was available. The inn was full of paying guests and their needs required attending. There was the shed out back where the livestock is kept. It wouldn’t hurt for these two to bed down there for the night. There is not even a need to charge this poor waif a full room rate.

Yes, the innkeeper was a busy man…not malicious or greedy or necessarily uncompassionate…just, you know, very busy. We all know that feeling during the Christmas season…shopping, baking, parties, church functions, caroling, family gatherings…all piled on to our usual daily duties and obligations. As we move through the days approaching 25 December with hectic activities, we really do not mean to do it. Some of us even wear those “Jesus is the Reason” pins on our overcoats. Yet, every year millions make the same mistake the Bethlehem innkeeper made. Christmas comes and goes and we miss Jesus. The innkeeper missed the Lord and Savior of the world. Do not be an innkeeper. Do not miss the Son of God appearing in 2006.