Sydney Jane And The “Not Fair” Christmas (For Children)نموونە

No Room

“We will be gone only for a few days, sis,” Sydney’s mom said. “And you never get to see your cousins.” She fluffed the pillow while Sydney sat brooding on the edge of the bed. It was her mom’s old room, but it smelled like the rest of the house—cinnamon and plastic. When they arrived at her great-grandma’s house, Syd was bombarded by her cousins—Connor and Gracie. Babies, she thought. I’m almost 11, and I have to sleep with these six-year-olds.

“Syd?—Sydney Jane?”

Sydney stirred at the sound of her mother’s voice. “What?”

“I was asking you if you wanted to play a game. What do you think sleeping in my old room—with your cousins—has to do with the first Christmas?”

Sydney sniffed, “Okay, I’ll play. I’m in a place I don’t want to be—with people I don’t want to be around. Sounds like Mary and Joseph when they got to town. The innkeeper said “no room” in the inn, and they ended up in a stinky stable surrounded by animals.”

“I think you’re getting the idea, Syd!”

“But mom?” Sydney hesitated. “Was that a part of God’s plan, too? That Jesus would be born in a barn? That seems so wrong.”

Mom looked thoughtful as she sat beside Sydney. “Not fair, for sure. But it does help us when we find ourselves in unfair situations, don’t you think? If the son of God could be born in a stable, maybe we can tolerate our little cousins?”

Sydney threw her pillow at mom, but she smiled. Maybe this isn’t going to be so bad after all.

QUESTIONS:

1. Have you ever felt left out? How did it make you feel?

2. Do you think Mary and Joseph wondered if God had forgotten them when they couldn’t find a place to stay?

3. What can you do to trust God when you feel forgotten?

Prayer: Dear God, Sometimes I feel like I’m all on my own. But I know you’re always with me. Help me to trust you when I feel all alone. Amen.