A Place to Be BornSample

IS THERE A PLACE?                                                  

“Then Mary gave birth to her firstborn son, bandaged the boy and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:7)

The birth of a child is something very special for a family, and it is usually an event surrounded by care and love. When Jesus was born, he received a lot of love from his parents despite the harsh environment. His birth in that inadequate environment reminds us how much Jesus was leaving behind in order to be born and save humanity. His first sacrifice was his own birth, as the apostle Paul explains to us: “Have among you the same mindset as Christ Jesus, who, though existing in the form of God, did not regard being equal to God as something that should be withheld from any cost. On the contrary, he emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, becoming similar to human beings.” (Philippians 2:5-7) Jesus deserved a palace, but he was born in a stable, and all to save us!

Paul's text calls us: Have among you the same way of thinking as Christ Jesus...  What does this mean for us contemporary adoring servants? Certainly theology will bring us many answers, but in a simplified way we can conclude that today, the Word of God calls us to cultivate a humble, sacrificial and altruistic spirit at any and all costs.

But how can we do this practically? One suggestion is that this Christmas you open the doors of your family festivities to someone who is alone, without family and friends. This person may be closer than you think, and they will surely have an unforgettable Christmas by their side! If you accept the challenge and make room for one or two more, know that Jesus will receive this attitude of yours as an act of worship, as He Himself assured us:  In truth I tell you that whenever they did it to one of these little brothers of mine, it was to me they did it. (Matthew 25:40)

Is there room for someone else at your supper? I think so! So let him in...