She gave birth to her firstborn Son and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths and laid Him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. Luke 2:7

The Gideons have always been welcome in my church.

The reason I always allowed the Gideons to make a presentation is because they do a job that needs to be done: They place Bibles in hotel rooms all around the world. I don’t know how many Scriptures they’ve distributed, but it’s a lot. Just as importantly, I’ve known men and women who, having come across God’s Word in the drawer of their hotel room’s night stand, have been touched by God’s salvation story.

This is why this devotion is just a little bit sad for me.

You see, it seems that some of the more modern and progressive hotel owners don’t want Bibles in their rooms. They offer a number of reasons for this decision. Some say they’ve had inquiries from guests who want other religious books distributed; some chains feel the Bible doesn’t meet the needs of the modern man. Others maintain that the Holy Scripture doesn’t fit the image they’re presenting to the public.

Maybe.

Of course, I wonder what would be the response of these hotel chains if a number of Christians complained about the dirty movies that are available for rent or lodged a protest about the violent games that can be played by children. Do you think they would be responsive to us and yank these money-making offerings? Yeah, I doubt it, too.

My friends, the bottom line is this: Today, just like it was 2,000 years ago, there is no room in the inn for the Savior. Humanity still doesn’t want the Christ and will try to keep their doors shut to His coming.

Now, you will note that I have not given you a list of those hotels. That was deliberately done. I’m also not going to call for any kind of boycott of those chains.

But I would like to suggest something to the readers of the Daily Devotion. Next time you stay in a hotel that has a Bible, when you check out, make sure you say a word, or write a note to the manager. Express your appreciation for the opportunity to read the Bible in your room. Let him know there was room for the Savior in the room you just rented.

THE PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, You were born in a stable because the hearts and rooms of humankind were shut to You. May I, in the things I do, show to the world You are welcome in my heart. In Your Name. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: Ezekiel 33-34    1 Peter 5

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