No room in the inn

"No room in the inn!" "Placed him in a manger!" So often we play favorites with the rich, beautiful, powerful, and prestigous. Isn't it interesting that God revealed himself as the defender of the widow, the orphan, and the alien and then entered the world as the child of a Jewish carpenter and a young virgin from a small town? God wants us to notice those in need around us. He wants it to be more than an annual good gesture at Christmas. He wants us to be advocates for the folks like Joseph, Mary, and Jesus. We're not just told to be fair; we're told to defend and to plead the rights of those in need. When we do, we do it for him.

Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.

— Proverbs 31:9

Dear Lord make us more aware, of those around us who need your love and grace. Make us your instrument to defend them and to serve them. Open our eyes to see Jesus in the faces of those in need. In the Jesus name, Amen.