Every Christmas, I like to recall this sweet little story from a Children's Christmas Program. All the children had been given their parts, Mary and Joseph had been chosen, but the director wanted every child to have a part and be included, and she wasn't sure where she could use little David who, because of a learning disability, wasn't capable of learning a very long piece. She finally decided he could be the Inn Keeper. She instructed him that when Mary and Joseph came wanting a room, he was to say very sternly -- "Go Away! There is No Room!" He practiced until he could do it perfectly, and with great sternness!
Finally, the night of the big program came! Everyone was excited, but as the program began, it seemed a holy hush settled over the audience that took them back to Bethlehem the night that Jesus was born! Mary and Joseph were very weary from traveling as they approached Bethlehem, and Mary was great with Child. They stopped at the first Inn they saw, but there was No Vacancy! The city was crowded with people who had come to pay their taxes. Everywhere they stopped, the answer was the same -- No Room!
Finally, they came to the very last Inn, and Mary could go no farther! When Joseph approached the Inn Keeper, little David remembered his line, and said quite sternly -- "Go Away! There is No Room!" Joseph tried to explain that Mary was heavy with child, and could not go on! He humbly pleaded, almost begging for a room, but David was firm in his command -- "Go Away! There is NO ROOM!" At last, giving up hope, Joseph and Mary turned away and started very slowly and sadly back down the crowded street. As little David watched them, suddenly he could stand it no longer! His tender heart broke, and he ran after them, crying -- "Wait, Joseph! Wait, Mary! Come back! Come back! You can have MY room!"
God's Word says -- ". . . she brought forth her firstborn Son: and called his name JESUS." The songwriter said --
"I know of a name, a beautiful name, that angels brought down to earth; They whispered it low, one night long ago, to a maiden of lowly birth. I know of a name, a beautiful name, that unto a Babe was given. The stars glittered bright throughout that glad night, and angels praised God in heaven.
I love that blest name, that wonderful name, made higher than all in heaven. Twas whispered, I know, in my heart long ago---to Jesus my life I've given. That beautiful name, that beautiful name, from sin has power to free us! That beautiful name, that wonderful name, that matchless name is Jesus!"
This Christmas, have you given Jesus YOUR Room -- the Room of your heart? "Jesus -- not just a part, or half of my heart -- I will give ALL to Thee!" Amen!
No comments:
Post a Comment