“And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:7)
The truth found in this scripture is familiar to many and unknown to many more. It’s real impact is lost upon an unbelieving world. We all need to be reminded of our Lord’s birth and the events surrounding it.
Why was there “no room in the inn?” Let’s consider just a few reasons. One reason could be the gross ignorance of God’s Word by the people, and therefore a lack of spiritual insight. The innkeeper could have known that the prophets had told of the coming of the promised Messiah and how He would be born. The prophet Micah proclaimed:
“But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel: whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.” (Micah 5:2)
Even old wicked Herod was able to find out where Jesus was to be born (Matthew 2:1-6). Also, the faithful Simeon waited patiently for our Lord`s coming into this world and was there when the little baby was brought to the temple. Isaiah, the prince of prophets, wrote some 700 years before the birth of Christ:
“Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14)
Isaiah further prophesied :
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder; and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment, even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.” (Isaiah 9:6-7)
It is amazing, yet tragic, that even in our time there seems to be widespread ignorance of the real meaning of the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ.
There is another reason that the innkeeper was not prepared and therefore had “no room.” It is that he was too busy. This was the time of registration and taxing of the citizens of that part of the world (Luke 2:1-5). Business at the inn was excellent and therefore pressing. He wasn’t too concerned about the condition of those who applied for a room. He wasn’t personally concerned about the guests and those who needed a room. This reminds us of the hymn we often sing which says,
Room for pleasure,
Room for business,
But for Christ, the crucified,
Not a place that He can enter,
In the heart for which He died.
The business world capitalizes on the birth of Jesus. It is hard to even have time to think of His wonderful birth, death, and resurrection. Other names, other interests, other people take first place. What is the celebration all about? No time, no thought, no room for the Saviour who loves us so much! Do we recognize His glory among all the glamour and glitter?
Another reason why there was “no room” in the inn is that the world has changed and corrupted His Name. We are not told whether the innkeeper inquired of the names of Joseph and Mary. No doubt, he wasn`t interested enough to say, “What are you going to name your little baby?” The Hebrew people were very particular in giving names to their children that were descriptive and significant. For instance, Benjamin means “son of my right hand.” Obadiah means “servant of Jehovah.” Immanuel means, “God with us.” His earthly name, Jesus, means “Saviour,” and is the theme of the Bible. The name “Christ” means “Anointed One,” the promised One who would come to His people Israel. His full title or name is now the Lord Jesus Christ. What a wonderful name! It led Peter to say,
“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12)
His name is above every name. The apostle Paul was led to exclaim,
“Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name. That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth. And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians 2:9-11)
Is there room in your heart and home for this gracious, glorious Person? Are you lacking in spiritual understanding? Are you too busy? Are you not aware of the great significance of His name? Let’s think soberly, soundly, and scripturally concerning His birth and have room for Him. In fact, He should fill our lives.
