The Inn Keeper

December... the most wonderful time of the year! I don't know about you but I dearly love this season. I wait for it, count the days with anticipation, dream of the lights and beautiful decorations, the family gatherings, the delicious treats that come out. I love to slip out on cold crisp nights and watch the lights on our bushes try to outdo the twinkling stars in the sky. I love the stillness I find out there as if the rest of the world is asleep, and time has paused for just a moment. And as I stare up at the pinpricks of light I find myself feeling very small... not in a bad way. Not lost but as if I'm standing in the presence of something great.

For some reason I find myself thinking about The Inn Keeper, time has long forgotten his name but his role in the Christmas story lives on.

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. Luke 2:7 KJ21

We much like the Inn Keeper must decide if there is room in the inn of our hearts for our savior. We each of us are Inn Keepers, in the hustle and bustle, the glittering lights, the carols, and plans must remember to make room for His presence. We must find the quiet place in our hearts, and remember the real reason for the season. Throw wide the doors to your heart and let the Savior's love embrace you. Find Him in a quiet place, let us fall at our Saviors feet and worship. Let His presence fill you to overflowing.

This season is the beginning of a beautiful story, the greatest story... remember that story. Remember the Inn Keeper, will He find the Inn of your heart full? Is there room for Him? Is He to be lost in the business of the holiday season? Or will you like the shepherds go and seek Him?

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. Luke 2:16 NIV

 The magic of Christmas isn't found in the presents wrapped beneath the tree but in His presence in our lives. May our Christmas thrumb with His presence this year, may it hum with His mercy and goodness, may His love wrap around you like a carol on a cold winter night clear and sweet.