NO VACANCY

According to St. Luke, when Mary and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem the town’s population had swelled because of a census. Normally, people would go to the home of a relative and seek shelter. The obligations of hospitality in that culture would ensure an open door. The accommodation would be a guestroom, perhaps just a corner of the living quarters partitioned with a blanket for privacy. 

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Many English translations say that there was “no room at the inn.” (Guestroom is a better translation, I think). So, no Christmas pageant is complete without a grumpy innkeeper saying, “No vacancy!” The truth is, Joseph’s cousin, uncle, or whatever, offered up the barn as an alternative, complete with a bed of straw for all.

We should not move on from the No Vacancy sign in Bethlehem too quickly. The notion that there was no room for the savior of the world is more than storytelling. We might do well to pause and consider all the ways that our lives display a No Vacancy sign for Jesus.

We are very busy people. It used to be that when you asked someone,” How are you?” the stock answer was, “Fine” or maybe “Can’t complain.” Most responses to such a query are, “Busy. Very busy.” I get it. I sometimes feel as though my life is directed by external forces beyond my control that drag me from one demand to another.

It can seem like the family, bosses, coaches, teachers, relatives, and more are all the masters of our universe. They all clamor for a piece of us and we feel helpless, unable to say “No.” The last thing we want is to be a failure or to disappoint. The expectations of others are a heavy burden. As Maya Angelou observes, “We often think that our affairs, great or small, must be tended continuously and in detail, or our world will disintegrate, and we will lose our places in the universe. That is not true, or if it is true, then our situations were so temporary that they would have collapsed anyway.”  (Wouldn't Take Nothing for My Journey Now)

The one loving presence who will not rudely claim our time and burden us with expectations is the one born in the manger, Jesus. That means that there is all too often no vacancy for the savior in our lives. Jesus patiently finds an alternate spot and waits for us to come to our senses, to come to our redemption.

In Christ, we have been set free from the law, Paul says. The law does not just refer to the Ten Commandments or the instruction of scripture. The law comes when anything or anyone lays expectations and demands on us that take our freedom and lead us away from love and God’s presence. Busyness is a choice. Choosing to reject the demands of others and expectations of the world may be a tough choice, but it is a choice.

I am reminded of the two sisters, Mary and Martha. Jesus came to visit and Martha chose to be driven by the expectations and demands of being a good host. She scurried around making food and putting out clean towels. Mary sat at Jesus feet and welcomed him into her life. When Martha complained, Jesus said, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things, 42 but few things are needed—indeed only one. Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42)

Martha’s No Vacancy sign was lit because she had no room for her Lord. Jesus has come and set you free from being busy. You have the freedom to take up burdens as you are called and to set them aside when they distract. Peace to you in the coming year.

Pax Christi,
Tim Olson – Lead Pastor