Finally, after days of exhausting travel, Bethlehem appears on the horizon. Mary and Joseph pick up the pace as they hurry on towards their final destination. After cold nights under the stars, they would find a warm fire and soft bed for Mary to get some much needed rest for her tired body. In the past few days, Mary has shared with Joseph that she believes the birth of the baby may not be able to wait for their return trip to Nazareth.

As they enter the town, it is obvious that many others have arrived before them, and the town is bustling with activity. Joseph heads over to the local inn to secure a room and a hot meal only to be met with devastating news. There are no available rooms-anywhere. There entire town was full. The inn keeper could only offer a place in the stable where the animals were kept behind the inn. It is interesting that such news could be delivered in such few words by Luke in chapter 2 of his Gospel…

…there was no guest room available for them. Luke 2:7 NIV

When Joseph broke the news to Mary it’s possible that she was already in labor. As she waddled to the stable trying to get comfortable, Joseph tried to make the best of a tough situation. What else could possibly go wrong? First, this unexpected trip, then, there is no place to stay in Bethlehem, and now, the son of God is going to be born in a barn? (Cue up the jokes!) Yet again, the young couple has to make the best of a difficult situation, but Luke records no complaint on their part.

Prayer emphasis: Ask God today to help you accept every circumstance with the grace that Joseph and Mary display when they learn there is no room for them in Bethlehem.

For Family Discussion…
What emotions did Joseph experience when he learned there wasn’t a single room in all of Bethlehem? What about Mary?
Why do you think we don’t hear a single complaint from Mary and Joseph in the scriptures?