Friends
What’s your take on the innkeeper in the Christmas story? Was he just a nasty fellow who slammed the door in Joseph’s face, or could we have it all wrong? Today, in Part 1 of a two-part mini-series, we will take another look at the innkeeper. This post features a thought provoking story written by my dear friend and fellow author, Becky Scarlett. “The Innkeeper” is one of the stories included in Becky’s heartwarming book, “Home for Christmas.” About a year ago, I had the honor of serving as a reviewer for Becky’s superb blend of fiction and non-fiction Christmas stories , and I knew right away that I had to find a way to share them with you, my readers. I knew you would love these faith-based stories as much as I do. There is more information about Becky and her marvelous book at the end of this post, but for now, sit back and immerse yourself in Becky’s beautiful story. Let’s join up with mary and Joseph as they trudge into Bethlehem on that long ago, most special of nights…
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For unto us a child is born . . . Isaiah 9:6
The innkeeper finished feeding the livestock and hurried back toward the inn. The wind cut through his clothes, and he pulled his cloak up over his ears. It had turned colder than usual, and the wind was brutal. When he opened the door, he immediately felt the warmth from the fire.
“Rueben, come get warm. We’ll eat soon,” his wife, Anna, said.
He moved to the hearth where Anna stood stirring the stew and rubbed his hands together. “Ahh, that feels good.”
“All the guests have eaten and are settled for the night,” Anna said.
“I am glad to hear it. This census has been good for us. We have not had an empty room for many nights.” A few minutes passed, then Anna dipped stew into two bowls and they sat down to eat.
“You look tired,” Anna said.
“I am. I am glad we have so many guests, but it does give us extra work.” Rueben looked into Anna’s face. He could see that she was tired too. There were shadows under her eyes and her gray hair had slipped out of its clasp. She brushed it away from her face with the back of her hand. But she never allowed her weariness to slow her down. She fed all the guests and made them feel welcome. She treated the servants well and made sure they had everything they needed. She sold her handmade bed coverings at the market and even gave some to the needy. She gave food to the poor. When the children were young, she taught them the ways of God. She had brought much good into his life. He was blessed, indeed, to have her for a wife.
“We have a lot to do tomorrow. We should get some sleep,” he said as he patted her hand.
“But I have work to do.”
“Anna, you have done enough for today.”
She looked at him and smiled. “Yes. We will rest on this night.”
As Anna gathered the dishes, they heard a knock. Rueben opened the door and looked into the fatigued face of a young man. His worn cloak did not look heavy enough to provide much warmth.
“Good evening, sir. I need a room for the night.”
“I am sorry, but we are full. There are no rooms.”
“Oh.” The man looked down, then searched Rueben’s face. “Is there anywhere else to stay?”
“No. Not until the next village.”
“Sir, my wife is with child, and I fear her time is coming soon. Can you help us?”
“Rueben, who is it?” Anna stepped beside her husband.
“This young man and his wife need a place to stay. I told him we have no rooms.”
“Did you say your wife is with child?” Anna asked the young man.
“Yes. We have come a long way. She is very tired.”
“Well, we do not have a room, but we can give you a meal. You and your wife come in and eat. What is your name?”
“Joseph. And my wife’s name is Mary. Thank you for your hospitality.”
Joseph helped Mary slide off the donkey she rode. He put one arm around her waist and held her elbow with the other to steady her as she walked. He gently helped her inside. After they warmed themselves up by the fire, he led Mary to a seat at the table. Rueben watched Joseph tenderly care for his wife and was overcome with compassion for them.
Even though Mary was obviously weary, she asked Anna, “May I help you serve?”
“No, dear. You sit here and rest,” Anna told her as she served them hot stew and fresh bread.
There was something special about this young couple.
“Are you here for the census?” asked Rueben.
“Yes, we are from Nazareth. It has been a long trip.”
“Oh my,” said Anna. “Mary, I know that has been difficult for you. You look like your time is near.”
“I believe it will be soon. I was ready for a rest. Thank you very much for your kindness and this meal. It is very good.” Mary smiled at both Anna and Rueben.
“Thank you, dear.” Anna turned to Joseph. “What will you do since there is no room here?”
“I do not know. But I do know this. God will provide.” Joseph glanced at Mary and smiled. Mary returned his smile.
Anna paused to look at them, then nodded as she returned to the hearth to get more stew.
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Friends, I am struck by Joseph’s humble words here, “God will provide.” Even when we can’t see it, even when we can’t feel it, God is always working. God can make a way when there seems to be no way. Joseph and Mary trusted God with a situation most of us cannot even begin to fathom. They took one step of faith after another, neither of them knowing the plan, but choosing to believe God’s promise. Step-by-step, they moved toward the manger, and there, they found their miracle.
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“Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.”
Hebrews 10:23 – NLT
PRAYER
O Abba Father, how graciously You provide for us. Even when we can’t see it, even when we can’t feel it, You are always working for our good and Your glory. Help us to cling unwaveringly to the hope You offer us, for we know that You can be trusted to keep Your promises.
In the Faithful Name of Jesus, we pray,
Amen
Advent Blessings,
Anita
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Home for Christmas
By Becky Scarlett
Most of us long for home, especially at Christmas. Join the characters of these eight short stories as they find home, come home, or open their home to others. As you explore this heartwarming mix of Biblical and contemporary stories, you might chuckle, you might fume a little, and you might have to wipe away a tear. But your heart will be touched. And hopefully, you will gain a renewed appreciation for Christmas, home, and the Savior who cares for us all.
Becky Scarlett is a retired counselor, who has always loved a good story with interesting characters. Although she has written nonfiction, she especially enjoys writing fiction. In addition to her collection of short stories in Home for Christmas, she has written a novel for young teens and several children’s books. Her work has appeared in two anthologies and Daisy’s Rocking Chair was featured in the podcast, Six-Minute Stories, in 2022. She is currently working on a women’s fiction novel. Becky lives in Burlington, North Carolina with her husband and two dogs. She enjoys the beach, hiking on mountain trails, kayaking and painting.
Put “Home for Christmas” on your holiday shopping list! Now available on Amazon at – link: https://a.co/d/eZYrlQF
-APS 12/2/2024
Faith Beyond Sight 