The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.John 1:5
As presented on *The Lutheran Hour® by the Rev. Kenneth R. Klaus, 2003
Nine-year-old Brent was in second grade when most children his age were fourth graders. He was big for his years, a clumsy fellow, and learning was always a struggle. But Brent was also a gentle boy, well liked by his classmates. In the annual Sunday school Christmas service he was cast as the innkeeper, perhaps because his size would lend believability to the role when he had to refuse a room to Mary, Joseph, and the soon-to-come baby Jesus.
On the night of the service Brent was ready when Joseph knocked on the painted cardboard door of the makeshift inn. He flung the door open and asked menacingly, “What do you want?” “We seek lodging,” Joseph replied.
“Seek it elsewhere,” Brent said in a firm, deep voice. “There’s no room in the inn.” “Please, good innkeeper,” Joseph pleaded, “my wife, Mary, is with child and is very tired. She needs a place to rest.” There was a long pause as Brent looked down at Mary. The teacher whispered Brent’s next line: “No! Be gone!” but he remained silent. Mary and Joseph turned and began to slowly move into the darkness. Seeing this, Brent’s face creased with concern. Then he called out, “Don’t go! You can have my room.”
Brent is a human example of what God has done for us. After the sin of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, the Lord saw humanity wandering off in to the darkness of damnation. In His mercy, he let us in through His Son.
Jesus, thank You for shining Your light in my darkness. Amen.
Taken from A Message of Hope: Proclaiming the Promise (selections from messages broadcast on *The Lutheran Hour, celebrating 75 years of proclaiming the promise).
Copyright © 2005 by Lutheran Hour Ministries
*The Lutheran Hour is the longest-running Christian radio broadcast in the world. It is a production of Lutheran Hour Ministries. For more information, visit www.lutheranhour.org.
Today's Bible Readings: Genesis 13-15 Matthew 5:1-26
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