“She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” – Matthew 1:21
During all the Christian holidays, myths spread like wildfire and create doubt surrounding the season. Often, it is easy to identify the myths as false or as an avenue to create doubt. But sometimes, we believe a common myth without even realizing it, and it can shape our perspective on truth. When we take a few minutes to read from our most reliable source (Scripture) and ask questions honestly, evidence restores our faith.
Myth: We shouldn’t be like the innkeeper who turned Mary and Joseph away!
Question: What is the myth here? Did the innkeeper turn them away, or was there more to the situation than culture has narrated and accepted?
During most retellings of the nativity story, an innkeeper (or several) rejects Mary and Joseph as they enter Bethlehem for the census. It makes sense that sermons capitalize on this idea to keep Christ in Christmas; however, Scripture simply states that there was no room for them in the inn. We don’t know what the situation was in the inn. Could it be that there were only so many rooms to house people? Were there people sleeping everywhere, even in the common spaces? Was there even a rude innkeeper? Going back to Scripture, we find that there isn’t a mention of an innkeeper or the inn’s situation other than the fact that there was no room. Luke 2:7 states, “And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger because there was no place for them in the inn.”
According to Scripture, God allowed his Son to be born and placed in a manger instead of a house, cradle, or inn. History and cultural study tell us that mangers of that day and location were usually in a cave or corral that housed beasts of burden (oxen, horses, donkeys, etc.), beasts of provision (cows for milk, sheep for woolen clothing, etc.), and beasts for sacrifice. We do not need to add to God’s Word or put the focus on someone or something that wasn’t truly present. Christ was born in humility, surrounded by creation that represents who he is to us: He bears our burdens, provides for us, and was a humble, ultimate sacrifice.
Remember: He’s not a baby in a manger anymore! Take time to carefully read the Christmas narrative according to the Bible in Luke 2. Commit in the new year to knowing the real narratives of Scripture. Pray: Dear God, You are the creator and sustainer of all things. You have brought me to the place where I am today and made me into who I am. Open my eyes, mind, and heart to be transformed by what You reveal to me in Scripture. Help me always to see the truth and never add or take away from Your Word. Please forgive my sins and give me a passion to forgive others. Thank You for Your continued strength in my weakness, protection in my vulnerability, and salvation from sin. Amen.
