“…I was a stranger and you invited me in.” Matthew 25:35

“No Vacancy,” a weary traveler doesn’t want to see those words. The Gospel of Jesus begins with “no room in the inn.” Joseph and Mary were stranded, left in a helpless position.

Christmas always means travelers; and many have their own stranded story. There was an overbooked flight, severe weather, a broken down car, or whatever your story might be. We know the feeling; it can empty your soul like air spewing from a tire.

There are also stories of kindness. Someone cared and made room for a stranger. An extra place for one more became available at a table. New friends were made and some had their own Jeanette Isabella to bring light into their dark moment.

My Christmas Eve prayer is that each of us can have a sign on our heart’s door that says, “No Room for anything else but Jesus.” Then, in a strangely beautiful way, there will be room to love others, and room for all that is good, beautiful, and right with God. No longer will we be stranded in a world that is not our home. “Let every heart prepare Him room.”

Then we too can sing, “All is well, all is well. Angels and men rejoice. For tonight darkness fell into the dawn of light.”