I wanted to say a word in defense of the much maligned and misused inn keeper who did not have room in the inn for Mary and Joseph. Here is an example of not letting the truth get in the way of a good sermon.
First, at a busy time like this was, with visitors overwhelming the little town, the inn keeper made a way for these common people to have a place to have their child away from the noise and commotion of the busy inn.
Mary and Joseph were not VIPs. They were common people, blue collar type folks. There was no reservation system. They did not expect deluxe accommodations. They were no doubt grateful to have a roof over their heads and a place to lay the newborn baby.
Because Jesus was not born on December 25th the weather in early fall was still mild enough for a baby to be born in a barn and for shepherds to be out in the open field with their flocks.
The innkeeper did not know who these young folks were. Mary and Joseph did not know fully about the baby being born.
Yes, there was no room for them in the inn. But how exciting the story is because Jesus was born in a barn!
The innkeeper might be in Heaven. Won't you feel terrible when you meet him and you preached about him as a cruel, heartless, insensitive man! Here is a perfect example of how simple decisions play into God's bigger plan.
"And this will be the sign unto you; you will find a babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger" Luke 2:12
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