In those days a census was a huge undertaking, so to make it the most efficient, people went to their ancestral homes for registration so entire families could be listed. So think of it as everyone who had ever lived in your home town coming back…and not only just them, but with all their kids, grandkids, pets, and livestock, Think of all the hustle and bustle and noise! What lodging places there were in this tiny town were bursting at the seams with family, friends and travelers returning to Bethlehem…and this is where we meet the harried innkeeper. He had to of been stressed to the max, trying to accommodate everyone clamoring for his attention. Soon he became short-tempered and irritated as more people came to his door inquiring about a room in a already overflowing inn. So when Joseph showed up with a very pregnant Mary it might of been the last straw for this man. In his impatience he could of flippantly offered the stable, which was off from the inn, especially so that the cries of a new-born might not disturb the rest of his customers. In his short-sighted stressful condition the innkeeper lost out on the opportunity to meet the King of Kings…and in his impatience, he also missed the chance to know the true meaning of Christmas. So during this busy week before Christmas, don’t be like the innkeeper…don’t allow stress and pressure to take away the joy of the coming birth of Jesus.
Safetypinlove 