Scripture Reading: Luke 2:7
Reflection
If you’re like me, you’re now in full-throttle Christmas mode. With less than two weeks until Christmas, your calendar is probably filling up with parties and events. Are you finding it hard to make time for shopping, handling holiday stresses, or even fitting in a devotional? Does your schedule feel like there’s no room left, tempting you to hang a “no vacancy” sign around your neck? Interestingly, there’s another place in history where “no room” was significant—one that might help us reframe our perspective today.
Joseph and Mary also arrived in the small town of Bethlehem during an exceptionally busy time. Many people had traveled great distances for the census. Because Mary was pregnant, their journey was probably slower than others. When they finally got to Bethlehem, there was nowhere left for them to stay—no room at the inn.
But what exactly was the “inn” mentioned in the passage? The Greek word kataluma can mean “guest room,” “lodging,” “hostel,” or simply “shelter.” In those days, travelers often stayed with relatives or prominent townspeople, not in what we think of as an inn or hotel. The “inn” was likely a small guest room or family home—spaces that could easily fill up during busy times.
The passage doesn’t actually mention an “innkeeper” or explain how Mary and Joseph ended up in a stable. Have you ever wondered exactly how they found their way to the stable? Was the innkeeper too busy with other guests and simply turned them away, or did he do his best by offering the stable? All we know is that Mary and Joseph tried and failed to find typical accommodations, and God used someone to provide shelter. I like to think that someone—whether the innkeeper or another person—showed compassion and offered what little shelter was available. And in that shelter, Christ was born.
How often do we get so caught up in our to-do lists that we miss opportunities to show God’s kindness, even in small ways? Even when life is hectic, we can still pause to offer hospitality. Opening your home—even if it seems less-than-presentable to you—can be a warm and meaningful gesture. Sometimes hospitality is as simple as inviting someone over for coffee or checking in on a friend. Especially during this season, it’s important to stop and make room for others. As Hebrews 13:2 reminds us: “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”
Reflection Questions
- What kind of “innkeeper” would you be in this busy season?
- What needs to change in your schedule or priorities to create margin for hospitality or connection?
Application
- Identify one area where your schedule is overcrowded and intentionally clear space this week.
- Practice small expressions of hospitality: invite someone for coffee, check on a neighbor, or reach out to a friend.
- Evaluate your home rhythms and ask God to show you where you can make room for Him and others.
Additional Scripture for Deeper Study
- 1 Peter 4:9
- Romans 12:13
Family Activity
Create Christmas goodie bags with homemade or store-bought treats to share with neighbors. Include an invitation to Broadmoor’s Christmas services and engage in simple, meaningful conversations as you deliver them. This activity helps families practice hospitality and “make room” for others during the season.