Reflecting on the true meaning of the birth of Jesus

The story of a baby born in a stable because there was no room at the inn strikes a chord in our contemporary society for all sorts of reasons, not least of which is that we have a housing crisis in this country.

Glasgow and Edinburgh have recently declared housing emergencies. In our towns and cities all over Scotland there are too many people living in sub-standard and temporary accommodation because of a lack of decent affordable housing.

The Right Rev James Simpson told a wonderful story of a boy called Wally who was given a part in the school Nativity play. Wally was not as bright as some of the other boys, but he was a big and kindly lad, who was naturally protective towards the smaller children.

He had hoped to get the part of a shepherd, but his teacher decided because of his size that he should play the innkeeper. She thought that his stature would give the refusal of accommodation more menace.

When Mary and Joseph arrived at the inn and asked for lodgings Wally opened the door and said in a loud voice “What do you want?”

“We seek lodgings, sir," said Joseph.

“Seek it elsewhere”, said Wally “The inn is full.”

“But, sir, we have travelled far and are weary.”

“There is no room in the inn for you,” said Wally, trying to look very stern.

“But please, good innkeeper, my wife is heavy with child, you must have some corner for her to rest.”

Wally shook his head, and as they turned to trudge off, a tear filled his eyes.

Then forgetting the script, Wally called back: “Don’t go, Joseph, you can have my room.”

Some of the children thought that Wally had ruined the whole thing, but many in the audience considered it the best Nativity play that they had ever seen.

The centuries-old story of how God came among us as a frail and vulnerable child continues to challenge our hard hearted attitudes and lack of compassion in refusing to make room for vulnerable people who need help.