«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 guest room available for them» (Luke 2:6, 7, NIV).
IF THERE IS SOMETHING that both the young and old enjoy about this time of year, it is watching plays of baby Jesus’s birth with actors who are children. No matter what the little ones do, everything suits them well, even when they are «slightly» off the biblical narrative, as it happened in the following story told by Alfred C. McClure.
The main character in this story is Wally, who was assigned the role of innkeeper. When Joseph and Mary got to the inn, they asked if a room was available; and they explained they had looked all over town, but they had not found anything. Then Wally, «the innkeeper,» faithfully following his role, replied, «I’m sorry! There is no room here either.»
When Joseph and Mary heard the bad news, they began to slowly walk away. Wally observed them from the door of the inn. Suddenly, departing from the program script, he exclaimed, «Please, Joseph, don’t leave. Bring Mary back. You can have my room!»
That was certainly not a «slight» modification of the Bible story. What Wally did was give us a new version! Nevertheless, it provides at least two precious lessons, which are both very appropriate to remember this Christmas.
Alfred McClure himself points out the first lesson when he writes that, not only by being born in a stable, but also by dying at Calvary, Jesus was willing to sacrifice Himself so that you and I would be able to have room in His kingdom.
The second lesson has to do with something that, according to The Desire of Ages, is «the law of life for the universe.» If «it is the glory of our God to give» and if «all things Christ received from God, but He took to give. «—ch. l , p. 21, what will we do with the countless blessings Christ has given us? Will we share them, or will we selfishly retain them?
Let us remember today that «it is more blessed to give than to receive.» Let us also remember that by sharing what we have received, we will not only be helping someone in need—of bread, clothing, love, encouragement—, but we will also be glorifying the name of Him who gave «His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.»
Heavenly Father, please help me so that the «circle of beneficence» will not end with me.
You gave Your beloved Son; Christ, in turn, has showered us with blessings; now I also want to give from what I have received to glorify Your holy name.
#AdultsDevotional
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Taken from: Devotional Readings for Adults 2022
“GREAT IS OUR GOD!”
From: FERNANDO ZABALA
Collaborators: Xiomara Perdomo & Angelica Cuate
