It is written of Jesus’ birth in Luke 2: 6-7, while they (Mary and Joseph) were there, (Bethlehem), the time came for the baby (Jesus) to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in clothes and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. Why was there no room, and what is its significance in scripture?
Bethlehem had not prepared for Jesus
John 1: 10-11 says, he was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Bethlehem did not know the child in Mary’s womb was Jesus. In contrast, Jesus has done otherwise and said in John 14: 2-3, my father’s house has many rooms, if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me so that you may be where I am. May we host him in our hearts as our special guest beginning 2026.
Bethlehem had no divine knowledge
Bethlehem did not expect Jesus in Mary’s womb, hence acted differently. Their kindness was based on “whom you know”. However, Jesus said in Luke 6: 33-34, if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. Granted that Mary and Joseph were poor and unable to pay for a room, Mary’s situation provoked some empathy. May the year 2026 be for us, a year of divine knowledge and empathy because of Christ Jesus.
Lateness is no barrier to receiving Jesus
Mary and Joseph were probably too late to ask for a room reservation. In contrast, Jesus attends to us anytime we call his name. When Jesus asked his disciples to feed the five thousand in Matthew 14: 15-21; Mark 6: 35-44; Luke 9: 14-17, they remarked, this is a remote place, and it’s already getting late. Send the crowds away to fend for themselves. Jesus refused, fed five thousand besides women and children satisfied fully with five loaves of bread and two fish, and had twelve basketfuls as left over (summarized). Jesus also raised Lazarus four days after his death, John 11: 1-44. It is not too late to receive Jesus’ miracles to our prayers in 2026. Hold on to Jesus!
We may suffer rejection and denial
Those with Jesus suffer the fate he suffered. John 15: 18 says, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. Jesus said in Luke 10: 16, “Whoever listens to you listens to me; whoever rejects you rejects me; but whoever rejects me rejects him who sent me.” In spite of this, Jesus said in Matthew 5: 44; Luke 6: 27, 35, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. He said in Matthew 5: 11-12, “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. May we have God’s grace to endure in 2026 for Jesus.
He was sensitive to the needs of others
His failure to secure a room was for God’s purpose. While some deride hotels, etc. other opine it as necessary. 1Corinthians 8: 9 says, be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak. How do our deeds influence the faith of others in Christ Jesus? Romans 15: 1 says, we who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. God was sensitive to the faith of others. May 2026 make us sensitive to the needs of others, and in particular, the weak among his flock.
It showed Jesus’ impartiality to the lowly
Mary and Joseph were lowly. Their associating with the manger said it all. Jesus’ church foundation was started with lowly people such as Peter and other fishermen. Peter came from that breed and applied himself to it. He was thus tasked by Jesus in John 21: 16, “Take care of my sheep… Feed my sheep.” Acts 20: 28, keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. Paul said in 1Corinthians 10: 32, do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God. In 2026, may we accept the lowly among us as relevant in the church and body of Christ without partiality.
Jesus’ divinity was confirmed from birth
Denying Jesus, a room did not change the course of events. Matthew 21: 42; Mark 12: 10; Luke 20: 17 says, “The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. The manger found him worthy and received him gracefully. Mark 4: 41 says, “Who is this? Even the wind and the waves obey him? God chose the manger to symbolize commonness. 1 Corinthians 1: 28 says, God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things – and the things that are not – to nullify the things that are. Paul explained further in Romans 12: 16 says… do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. In 2026, may we see the power of God’s glory in Jesus in impossible circumstances to our joy.
The denial was a fulfillment of prophecy
Denying Jesus fulfilled prophecy. Jesus quoted in Matthew 8: 20, “Foxes have dens and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head. Jesus through whom the world was created, had no place to lay his head when he was born. Jesus said in Matthew 5: 18; Luke 16: 17, until heaven and earth disappears, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. Whatever the situation, Philippians 4: 19 says, my God will meet all your needs according to the riches in his glory in Christ Jesus. May God’s pronouncement on our lives, his plan for our welfare be fulfilled in his name in 2026.
Reflection
Do we have a guest room in our hearts to accommodate Christ Jesus in 2026? Will we be counted as citizens of heaven with Jesus at his roll call when the trumpet sounds? Until we get born again, and live in righteousness, we cannot be his guests in his mansion in heaven. Our past does not matter, he is still knocking on the door of our hearts, he needs a dwelling in us. May Jesus dwell with us always in 2026.
Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus Christ, we invite you into our hearts to be our special guest from this moment forward. Dwell with us so we may retain our heavenly citizenship and the place you have prepared for us in heaven when you return to take us with you. Be our strength in your blessed Holy name, Amen!!
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