The work on this sermon has pushed me into an interesting thought. If there was an Innkeeper who put Mary and Joseph in the barn/cave in the back of the Inn did they act in a manner what was responsible and respectful? Were they appropriate in that they gave what they had or were they inappropriate in that they could have done more?
Furthermore, were there other Innkeepers who absolutely rejected Mary and Joseph when they came into Bethlehem? If so, the Innkeeper who took them in was a hero? It least he did what he could.
What about the owner of the donkey who gave the disciples the donkey Jesus rode into Jerusalem on that Palm Sunday event? Should he have given them a more appropriate means of conveyance? Why a donkey? Why not a champion steed? Was the stable owner a hero or a jerk?
What about the owner of the house that was used for the Last Supper? Someone owned the Upper Room and that person willingly surrendered his house of the disciples when he was asked to provide a space so they could celebrate Passover. Why did he open his home to them? What did he charge? What did he get out of it?
The Innkeeper, the stable owner, the home owner of the Upper Room demonstrate varying degrees of giving.
We can give but we might have done more?
We can deny what people are asking and do nothing?
We can give knowing the recipient deserves better?
We can give the best that we have?
What does this say about Christmas and giving?
If you have thoughts on this write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to have the readers of the blog see your thoughts click on the 'comments' box below.
If you would like a draft of the sermon indicate that and I will send it to you Friday.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles Schuster
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