I would guess that one of the lines from the Gospel that is very familiar to all of us is, “There was no room for them in the Inn.” That line, I am sure, was the basis of a one frame cartoon that a friend recently shared with me. The caption of the cartoon was: “The Real Reason it was a Silent Night.”
The cartoon shows Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus surrounded by the animals with Joseph saying, “How many times do I have to say I am sorry?! I forgot to make reservations at the Inn, okay?”
CHRISTMAS is about God making room in His heart and in His life, for you and me and all people every day and for all eternity.
CHRISTMAS is also meant to be about us making room for our God, for Jesus and His message of life, love, joy, mercy and so much more today and for all eternity.
CHRISTMAS is that reminder that we need to make room for other people in our lives every day. Seizing the moment before us to offer God’s gifts of:
- Life and Love
- Time and Assistance
- Encouragement and Hope
- Mercy and Forgiveness
- Time and Understanding
- Peace and Justice
- And so much more…
Unlike the cartoon – may we remember to make a reservation, to make a place for God in our lives and for others each day. It will change us and others and our world for the better… And in the process we give flesh to the word of God spoken and revealed in Jesus to the expectant people and world of today.
The more we get to know God, Jesus… The more we get to share God, Jesus with one another and others.
Finally, on The Tonight Show Friday night, Jimmy Fallon wrote a Thank You note to Jesus. It said: “Thank you Jesus for not complaining that your birthday is on Christmas.”
A Blessed and Merry Christmas to You & Your Family & Friends!