Why No Room?

“She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” – Luke 2:7 (NIV)

He was the creator of the universe. Everything that existed was made by Him and for Him and yet when it came time for Him to be born into the human race there was no room to be found for Him. He could have been born in a castle but instead when the time came for Him to be born His parents couldn't’t even find a room in a simple hotel.

Why would God allow this to happen to His Son? Why did Mary have to suffer through the birth of her first child in such bleak surroundings? Was Joseph ashamed that he could not arrange better accommodation for his wife? I am sure that Joseph did the best he could but I am sure that the question of why ran through his mind as he went from door to door looking for a place to stay.

I am sure that as they traveled from Nazareth to Bethlehem they had talked about where to stay. Joseph probably was confident that God would have gone before them to arrange a place for His Son to be born. What a surprise when they arrived in Bethlehem. I am sure he had some questions why God would allow such a thing to happen.

However, the picture that is given us is one that has been painted over and over again down through the generations that followed that first Christmas day. How often Jesus would come to a heart’s door only to be told that there was no room for Him. How often have homes, churches, governments, etc. had that same message, “Sorry, we have no room for you right now”. Jesus created us and by that simple act He owns us yet He will not barge into our lives uninvited. He patiently waits at the door of our hearts waiting for that invitation. We can invite Him in or like the innkeeper so long ago turn Him away with the message, “Sorry, we have no room for you right now”.

What if Herod had been the one that had knocked on that innkeeper’s door that night, do you think they would have found room for him? I am sure that the innkeeper would have made any adjustments possible so that the king would have a place to stay. He could then hang a sign over his door which proudly states, “King Herod stayed here!”

I wonder if the innkeeper ever knew who it was he turned away that day. I don’t think he would have done it because he was being malicious. I think he just didn’t know that he turned away the King and Creator of the universe. Even today many people don’t realize who they are turning away when they don’t invite Jesus into their lives. Like the innkeeper it isn’t done deliberately but rather carelessly. Our excuses may be many but on the day of reckoning all our excuses will not matter. Do you have room in your heart for Him today?