Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. Matthew 7:1-5 NKJV

An unwelcome return

Did you ever wonder why there was “no room at the inn” for Mary? 

Think about it… When Caesar Augustus decreed the population living in the Roman empire must go to their hometown for the census, Joseph took his very pregnant wife with him to Bethlehem. Joseph surely knew people in his hometown and had family or friends there. Then how was it possible that no one would open their door to him? You just can’t tell me that there wasn’t an auntie or a grandma or a cousin who knew that this sweet young girl was going to have a baby, her first child, and yet they couldn’t find a single corner for her in their house? 

I find that astonishing. My supposition about why there was no room at the inn for Mary is not at all biblical, but I can’t help wonder if perhaps the residents of Bethlehem knew that Mary and Joseph, while betrothed, were still not married; that perhaps the good citizens of Bethlehem felt justified in not offering shelter to this un-wed mother, thereby not condoning her behavior. Perhaps they wanted no part in the scandal.

Mary’s struggle

Imagine that. That the woman who was about to give birth to savior of the world was judged as dissolute. Do you think for all of her married life Mary was looked down upon, tainted with a tinge of immorality?

It must’ve been pretty lonely. I like to think that at least Mary had a friend. At least she had someone who understood. When Mary went to visit her cousin Elizabeth, before she could even say a word, Elizabeth knew exactly what was going on. Unlike others, she didn’t assume the worst about Mary, in fact she immediately recognized that the baby in Mary’s womb was the savior of the world!

Am I just another citizen of Bethlehem? This Christmas season, I’ve asked God to show me, “Who am I not making room for it at the inn? Who am I judging because their life choices have been different than mine, or their circumstances appear to be something I, perhaps, would not have chosen?” If you can relate in any way, may I gently suggest praying with me, over who needs room in the inn of your heart.

Merry Christmas!