No Holiday in this Inn:

I've read through Luke 2:1-7 several times this week.  I've been looking at what some others, modern and ancient, have to say about Luke's brief account.  I can say for sure that the word "Holiday" does not belong in front of "Inn."  Beyond that questions abound:

Does kataluma  (Greek) refer to some kind of a public accomodation, to a guest room (see same word in Luke 22:11), or simply a house?  Was the young family heartlessly turned away, or warmly welcomed by relatives who graciously made room?

If they were welcomed it was a very local event--very local.  though his budget of words is limited--I actually managed to read them all in one breath--Luke uses up several of them to tell us about emperors, governors, a census, and taxes.  The powers-that-were took no notice of this momentous event.  God came to earth in human form, and remarkably His coming accommodated the affairs of state.  "The government will be on His shoulders" but not yet.  Luke makes clear, almost certainly reporting something that Mary had "treasured in her heart," that the accommodations for the new born  Savior were not plan A.  His first bed was a feeding trough for animals, "because there was no room. . . . ."

It was the beginning of a pattern.  "He was despised and forsaken of men, A man of sorrows and acquainted with grief."  (Isaiah 53:3) "He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him."  (John 1:11)  Later He made clear that those who follow Him should not expect to be treated any better.  (John15:20) 

Christmas is a joyous occasion, and I hate to be a downer, but for those of us who follow the Christ of Christmas, the Holiday provides a reminder that we are in territory that is held by the enemy.  

Let us not be discouraged, though, because we follow the One who overcame and overcomes.

 

"These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world."  (John 16:33)

   

With a wish for the best of Christmases,

it's Something To Think About,

from the Covington Bible Church.