Today's thought:

John 1:12-13, "Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God—children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God."

Wally was nine when asked to participate in the school's Christmas pagent. I think that dates our story a bit. It wouldn't happen today. But Wally auditioned and was given the part of the innkeeper.

After many rehearsals, the long awaited event occured. Joseph and Mary came to the inn, and there was Wally, standing at the door with his lantern. "What do you want?" he asked.

"We seek lodging," replied Joseph.

"Go elsewhere; the inn is filled."

"But, Sir, we have asked everywhere in vain. We have traveled far and are very weary. Please, good inn-keeper, this is my wife, heavey with child. You must have some small corner for her!"

Something clicked in Wally. He had heard the Christmas story before but always from the outside. Now he was in the story. From within the story, Wally looked down on Mary with pitty. Meanwhile from stage right the prompter, who was franticly trying to get Wally's attention, went from a small whisper to whispering in a voice that might as well be yelling. Everyone heard it. "Wally, say your line. 'There is no room here.' Go on with your lines, Wally."

So Wally continued: "There is no room here; begone--go on your way."

At this point Joseph sadly placed his arms around Mary, Mary laid her head on his shoulder, and the two started to move slowly away.

Wally stood there in the doorway, watching the forlorn couple with obvious concern and with a tear trickling down his cheek.

Suddenly the Christmas pageant became different from all others. "Don't go Joseph!" Wally called out. "Bring Mary back!" And Wally's face lighted up with a bright smile. "You can have MY room!" His tender heart had made room for the Savior.

Have you made room for the Christ of Christmas? Accept this babe and He can walk out of the pages of Scripture and into you. You can be born just as He was, not by the will of man but of God. His Father will become yours. If you have already been born again then make this babe the central figure of your Christmas and experience Christmas like never before.

Prayer: Father, we accept this baby of Christmas, not as some story of long ago, but as the reason and pattern of our lives. Just as He was born not of the will of man but of You we too can be born of You. Thank you for the reason for the season and consecrate us as we seek to make room in our hearts for this child this Christmas. In His name, amen.

[Adapted from: The Christmas Experience: Part 1: Experience God's Favor. Hear the whole message at www.arvadachristian.org/sermons]