For Such A Time As This

-December 17, 2023-

Good morning beloved, happy Lord’s Day,

“And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”

(Luke 2:7).

In the Christmas story there are stars and their are supporting characters. Though the Innkeeper is not mentioned per se, where there is an inn there has to be an innkeeper. He had a bit part in the Christmas story. God can use anyone to accomplish His purposes.

Bethlehem was bursting at the seems due to the huge number influx of people who came to be registered in the census. Local town folk opened their homes for family, friends, and strangers. We don’t know if there was more than one inn in the little town of Bethlehem or not, but the inn was full. If they had electricity, the neon light would have read, “No Vacancy.”

Innkeepers were usually well to do landowners, and this innkeeper also owned a manger with animals. I would like to think he felt terrible to turn away a very pregnant Mary and Joseph. Perhaps he had a wife himself and young children. Maybe his wife suggested offering the manger for Jesus to be born in. Sure there were animals, and it was likely cold at night, but this man gave what he had.

It reminds me of the days of Queen Esther, wicked Haman plotted the destruction of the Jews. Now was the time for Esther to intercede on their behalf to the king. Her cousin Mordecai told her, “For if you remain completely silent at this time, relief and deliverance will arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your house will perish. Yet who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14).

Maybe you think your part is small, insignificant, or less important than those of others. We all have part to play in God’s service. God puts us where He wants us to be, to do what He wants to do. He calls us, equips is, and uses us for His glory. We don’t want to miss an opportunity to be a blessing. If we fail to take the opportunity God gives us, He will raise up someone else to do it and we will miss the blessing.

Today is our Christmas Celebration and Concert. I have a small

part in the program as one of the singers in our Worship Team. I am not a soloist but I can sing in a group and do my part. We have a Kid’s Choir and Youth Choir singing as well. The Lord gets all the glory.

Yes, the innkeeper had a second chance to provide for Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus. The anonymous hymn writer wrote, “Away in the manger, no crib for a bed, the little Lord Jesus laid His sweet head. The stars in the sky looked down where He lay, the little Lord Jesus, asleep on the hay.” God uses little people to do big things. He is the Conductor and we are all in His orchestra.

Have a blessed day of worshipping , fellowshipping , and hearing the Word. Stay safe and healthy.

The manger was better a palace because the King was born there,

Dean