When Mary, one of our readers, read a PresbyCan devotional about arriving at a hotel and finding it full, she was reminded of an event that happened to her family in 1983.

We were travelling from Kingston to Exeter, Ontario, Canada, on December 24th with our three young children to spend Christmas with my parents.

The weather was beautiful. Suddenly, near Punkydoodles Corners, between New Hamburg and Tavistock, we encountered a terrible snowstorm.

It was so sudden that we thought that a farmer was blowing out his driveway. We finally reached the small town of Tavistock and were informed that we could not continue. All the roads had been closed.

This was early afternoon. We called my parents and told them of our situation. They advised us to stay put because the weather around Exeter was awful. Well, we discovered that there was a hotel in the middle of town. Great! We could get a room there. But we soon found out that this was not possible. All the rooms were booked.

Yes, no room at the inn.

We were told that we could remain in the lounge for as long as necessary. This was great news. But it got better. An older couple in town heard about our situation and offered us lodging. All five of us were wined and dined. We enjoyed a fabulous Christmas dinner which was intended for their kids, who could not get home either. In the morning, we were all served a delicious breakfast.

Yes, there was no room at the inn, but God provided, and He provided in abundance.

Without the generosity and hospitality of someone who offered Mary and Joseph a place to stay so that their Baby, Who was to be born in Bethlehem, could be wrapped in swaddling cloths and laid in a manger, the Christmas story as we know it could not have happened.

Luke 2:6-7 – While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. (NIV)

Let us be especially vigilant this Christmas season for those whom God may put in our path to whom we may show hospitality.

Hebrews 13:2 – Don't forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it! (NLT)

Prayer: Lord, You have showered us with love and care, sheltering us all our lives. Show us those to whom we can pass on Your favour. In Christ's name, we pray. Amen.

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About the author:

Robin Ross <rross@telus.net>
Mission, British Columbia, Canada
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