No Room

They stepped into the room with anxious eyes. A promised meal brought them there. But their eyes showed the concern in their hearts. Would someone really serve me and shower me with dignity?

Last week, with the help of a few angels in our New Orleans church family, we arranged to share a meal with some homeless men and women in our city. We prayed and planned and anticipated a blessed night. One we knew would change us as much as them.

As they arrived, our guests shuffled single file towards the tables where they sat. And waited.

We greeted them with smiles and hoped the deep red tablecloths and sweet smelling candles would melt away their fears and warm more than just their bodies.

As my husband stood near one, then two, began to notice.

“He seems very tall,” one man said. “I was thinking the same thing,” another confirmed.

When they realized a New Orleans Saints player showed up to bring them this meal their smiles stretched from ear to ear. They laughed and shook hands. But they didn’t even know the half of it.

One by one Saints players filled the room. Linemen and quarterbacks. Kickers. Receivers. Future Hall-of-Famers. Fan favorites. Along with their wives, children, nieces & nephews.

We brought them plates full of food and filled their cups. They ate and drank until they pat their bellies with delight.

Then we sat. We pulled up chairs and squeezed in places. We laughed and lounged. Together. Famous players next to forgotten people. What the world calls the greatest with what it also calls least.

Yet, not God. No, I imagine when God looked into that room He simply saw His Kingdom. His children. His creation.

I pray He saw His Spirit moving among us. I pray He smiled. And I believe He did.

And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” Luke 2:7 (NASB)

No room. The Son of God stepped down from heaven, homeless. But this Son, this King, was not forgotten. Instead, heaven celebrated!

And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, ^‘Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.'” Luke 2:13-14 (NASB)

Lord Jesus, this Christmas season, may Your birth bridge the gap between us all. May status not stand between us. May sin not separate us. Instead, let our hearts make room for You. And may Your love link our lives together to light this world once again.