Leave The Light On Inn-side Your Heart

The spokesman for Motel 6, Tom Bodett, is known for saying, "We'll leave the light on for you." I always thought it was a bit hokey but my buddy Jimmy was always fond of the catch phrase. Regardless, Mary and Joseph certainly could have used a Motel 6 that day that they came into Bethlehem.

However, scripture tells us that they didn't have such luck. In the second chapter of Luke's gospel, we read that after Mary gave birth to Jesus, "she wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn." (Luke 2: 7)

A few years ago, a priest named Fr. Sal who was assigned to our parish reflected on the scene inside that inn during his homily. Prior to that, I had not given much thought to the inn outside of acknowledging the fact that there was no vacancy.

Fr. Sal, however, pondered who was in there and what were they doing. Were they dining and enjoying good drink? Perhaps the conversation amongst the guests was lively and entertaining. Maybe the guests at the inn played music and sang. It is safe to presume, that those who stayed at the inn that night slept comfortably, safe from the elements.

It sounds like a nice night but they had no idea what they were missing. Circumstance would have it that just beyond the walls of the inn, the most important, most amazing, and most miraculous event in the history of man-kind was happening.

They missed it. They missed the prophecy being fulfilled. They missed the coming of God. They missed the virgin birth of our Lord Jesus. Certainly, they had a wonderful night; but they missed it.

We just started the second week of Advent and I have already attended two "Holiday" parties and I have a couple more scheduled in the upcoming weeks. If I am not careful, I too will miss it. This is a wonderful time of year for many reasons. The sights and sounds. The tastes and smells. Enjoying the company of friends and family. We should enjoy it all.

However, we need to make sure we don't miss it.

Questions for reflection:

1) In this season of giving gifts, reflect on what gifts have you received throughout your life from God.

2) Jesus, the Son of God, was entrusted to his humble, human parents. What have you been entrusted with? Whom have you been entrusted with?

3) The Magi offered gifts to Jesus. How can you give of your talents, treasures, and time to give glory to God?

I pray that you keep your CHRISTmas preparations centered on Christ and make room INN your busy days for Jesus.