Good morning. Yesterday I began the story of the Innkeeper of Bethlehem and of the traveler from Jerusalem who was seeking to know the truth of what he heard regarding the child that had been born there some months before. As we left the story yesterday the innkeeper was preparing to share with the traveler what he knew about what had happened. Please consider yourself to be the traveler seeking the truth about the child who was born.
While the innkeeper was obviously a bit uncomfortable with the fact that he had quickly turned Mary and Joseph away, even though she was obviously near the time when she would give birth, he quickly adds that he did offer them the use of his stable. He tells you, his guest, that it was a cave, dug into the side of the hill located behind the inn. The young couple seemed to accept this as the best that they could hope for and headed back towards the hill. The innkeeper was immediately called upon to provide more food and drink to his customers, so he watched them leave and headed back to his work.“
“So,” you say to the innkeeper, “you went back to your business and that was the end of their story as far as you were concerned?” “Oh no!” replied the innkeeper. “I mean, it could have been, but it wasn’t.” He seemed to gather himself and continued: “You see, they headed their way and I headed mine but then, I don’t know, it was like I heard my conscience speaking. Not that I usually listen, but this time I did. I went back to the door and called out to the young couple. I told him that he could help himself to some of my firewood and I told him where he could get water from the city well. He said, ‘thank you,’ and that is when I went back to my work.”
“OK,” you say, “so is that the end of your story?” “No!” he tells you, a little louder than necessary, “I haven’t even gotten to the good part.” “The good part?” you ask. “Yes,” he said, “now where was I? Oh yes…they went to the stable and I went back to work.” The innkeeper rubbed his eyes and took a deep breath. “I don’t know how much you have had to do with stables in your life, but they are dark, dull, smelly places designed for animals.” You nod your understanding. “They are quiet places, except for the occasional sound of a sheep or a donkey.” You nod again, not quite knowing what this has to do with the story you are eager to hear. “But not on this night” he tells you. “On this night, when the young couple made their way to the stable, every animal in there started to make noise. And let me tell you, the stable was just as packed as my inn and my lodging yard out front.” The innkeeper seemed to think this was exciting news, but you don’t quite get the point. He went on, “The animals were excited. They weren’t sounding scared like when a wolf wanders by, they were…I don’t know how to put it…they sounded like they knew that something special was happening. Strange, I know, but it’s true.” You nod, but you again wonder where this is headed and motion for him to go on. “Then, just as quick as they started to make their noise, they stopped, and it was absolutely quiet for a few minutes. And then we heard him.” “You heard ‘him’” you ask, a bit confused. “Yes! The baby cried out. It wasn’t a whimper it was more like a tiny little yell. It was like he was shouting ‘Here I am!’ Not with words of course, but I am telling you, that little cry was different.”
“OK” you say. “So, the baby was born in the stable cave behind your inn?” “That’s right!” the innkeeper said, “and then there were lights!” You are definitely having trouble following what he was saying, but with a sigh you ask, “What lights?” “The lights!” he shouts again. “The sky to south of the city was suddenly filled with lights. It all happened at the same moment the baby cried out. These lights were brilliant. They danced in the sky. In fact some people swore they could hear singing.” You look at him and shake your head, “I don’t see the connection between this new baby and the lights you are talking about.” “Of course not! He shouted, “but wait ‘till I tell you about the shepherds!”
“Wait!” you say, “Shepherds, what shepherds? Were the shepherds the ones with the lights?” “Yes!” he cried, and then just as quickly shouted “NO!” “I mean, the shepherds were there, when the angels came, they were there but they just saw the lights, they didn’t cause them.” You begin to rub your temples because a headache is forming. “What angels?” you whisper.
“The baby’s angels!” he yelled. “The lights in the fields to the south of town were from angels who were telling the shepherds about the baby that was born!” You can’t even speak to ask a question, but that was fine because the innkeeper was glad to go on.
“The shepherds were watching over their sheep, as shepherds always do, when suddenly the sky filled with angels. The angels told them that the baby that was born was the Messiah of God, wonderful news for everyone! They told them where to find this new child and in no time my little inn was surrounded by shepherds. I showed them to the stable, and there he was! The tiny little baby, wrapped in rags and laying in my manger. My little manger! The animals were standing back, out of the way, The young couple were crouched behind the manger, looking at us. The shepherds started to cry. I started to cry. The young couple started to cry. I think some of the sheep may have started to cry, but it is hard to tell with sheep.” The innkeeper looked spent, like it had taken all of his energy to tell me about the child that had been born. “So,” you ask him, “Do you believe it? Is this little baby, born in a stable in the company of animals, the Messiah of God?”
“Oh yes,” he tells you, “Of that there is no doubt. I knew it as soon as I saw him. And when the Magi came, well…that really settles things doesn’t it?”
“Wait! What?” you shout at him. “Magi…you haven’t said anything about Magi! Were they in the stable too?” “Oh no!” he told you. “They came much later, months later. The couple and the baby had accepted the hospitality of an older couple in town. They stayed there, and the young man was a skilled carpenter, so he found plenty to do. Things quieted down, although people were still whispering and pointing at the house where the baby was living. Then one night there was a star. It was brilliant, bright, and new to our sky. Soon there were magi who had traveled from far away in the East. They stopped at the house and began to worship the baby. They brought him gifts, expensive and wonderful gifts. Soon after they left, the young couple and the baby were gone. No one here knows where they went, but we know who he is. The little one I mean. We all know who he is. God sent His Messiah, a tiny little baby. And I played my part!”
You thanked the innkeeper and headed back to your home in Jerusalem. Now you know. You believe that the rumors are all true. The Messiah has come. God’s promise is fulfilled. You make up your mind that one day you too will worship him. Oh, what a glorious day that will be!
God bless you as you seek the Messiah this Christmas season.
Vern