READ Luke 2:1-20
COMMENTARY | Rev. Cecelia D. Armstrong
There is a famously-told Christmas story about a little boy
who wanted to be Joseph in the Nativity play. He did not get the part of Joseph
but did land the part of the innkeeper. He was disappointed. The night of the
performance, he decided to change the story. The story, as told, caused Joseph
to inquire about a place for him and Mary. The crowd anticipated that the
innkeeper would say, “There is no room in the inn.” However, the little boy
changed the story that night. He said, “Sure, I’ve got the best room in the
inn. You may have mine.” This changed the whole story and caused everyone to
laugh. When his parents got him home that night, they asked him why he changed
the story. He told them what he learned as a Christian. Since no one knows the
day nor the hour that the Son of God will return, then we ought to be ready to
give God our best, lean not on our own understanding, and in all our ways trust
God to direct our paths.
We make room. God makes room. The angels tell the shepherds,
and they make room. There’s always room. There’s always more space. There’s
always plenty of good room, just choose your seat and sit down. Where we find
the lack of hospitality is where we find the lack of joy. The Rev. Dr. James
Foster Reese once said at the 221st General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church
(USA), “We are better together.” Although he has entered eternal rest with our
Savior,* his words remain true. Joseph and Mary were given the opportunity to
be together even in a space that declared no room. The shepherds went to
Bethlehem to see this thing that had taken place, causing them to be together
with the holy family. Not only did the shepherds come and witness this thing,
but they also left telling everyone by glorifying and praising God, giving
society a chance to be together.
Our task during this Christmas season is to make room in the
same manner. We should acknowledge that the world is weary from grief, war, a
pandemic, political strife, personal and corporate failings, and the list could
continue. Although these weary acts take place, our rejoicing happens when we
encounter life together. When we change the story as it might seem to be and
make room for collective moments to rejoice. For no one knows the day nor the
hour of the second Advent, so let’s not lean on our own understanding but in
all our ways trust God to direct our paths—offering God our best by making room
for others. The room we make will allow a weary world to rejoice.
Reflect: This Christmas, how are you making room? The room
we make will allow a weary world to rejoice.
reprinted with permission from A Sanctified Art
*Learn more about Rev. Dr. James Foster Reese’s life and
legacy here: presbyterianmission.org/story/october-14-2022
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