"You Can Have My Room"
”And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.“ Luke 2:7 KJV
Wally was nine years old and in the second grade, though he should have been in the fourth. He was big and clumsy, slow in movement and mind, but well-liked by the other children in class, all of whom were smaller than he.
At times the boys did have trouble hiding their irritation when the uncoordinated Wally would ask to play ball with them. He would stand by, not sulking but hoping. Always a helpful boy, willing, and smiling, the natural protector of any child he felt was being mistreated.
As Christmas time approached, plans were made for the annual school pageant. Children were being assigned their parts: angels, shepherds, wise men, Mary, and Joseph. Wally stood by expectantly then suddenly his joy knew no bounds; for he heard the teacher say, "Wally, I want you to be the Innkeeper." (Not many lines to learn, she reasoned and his size would make his refusal of lodging to Joseph more forceful.)
Then came the rehearsals with the manger, beards, crowns, and a stage full of squeaky voices. -Most caught up in the magic of the night was Wally. He would stand in the wings, watching the performance with fascination. His teacher had to make sure he did not wander on-stage before his cue.
Then came the long-awaited night, the auditorium was packed with proud parents.
Wally stood holding a lantern by the door of the Inn, watching as the children who portrayed Mary and Joseph came near him.
"What do you want?" Wally asked with a strong and authoritative voice.
"We seek lodging."
"Seek it elsewhere. The inn is filled."
"Sir, we have asked everywhere in vain. We have traveled far and are very weary."
"There is no room in this inn for you." Wally looked properly stern.
"Please, good innkeeper, this is my wife. She is heavy with child and needs a place to rest. Surely you must have some small corner for her. She is so tired."
Now, for the first time, the Innkeeper relaxed his stiff stance and looked down at Mary. With that, there was a long pause and the audience became a bit tense.
"No! Be gone!" the prompter whispered from the wing of the stage.
"No! Be gone!" Wally repeated automatically.
Joseph sadly placed his arms around Mary and Mary laid her head on her husband's shoulder, and the two of them started to move away. The Innkeeper did not return inside his inn, however.
Wally stood there in the doorway, watching the forlorn couple. His mouth was open, his brow creased with concern, his eyes filling unmistakably with tears.
And suddenly this Christmas pageant became different from all others.
"Don't go, Joseph," Wally called out. "Bring Mary back." And Wally's face grew into a bright smile. “
“You can have my room!”
Written by Dina Donohue and published in 1966 by Guidepost Magazine
(https://guideposts.org/inspiring-stories/people-helping-people/trouble-at-the-inn/)
"He Can Have My Room"
Luke 2:6, 7
“And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.”
We have often heard messages about making room for Jesus in your heart,
But, what about making room for Jesus in your life?
In your time
-Thee are 168 hours in a week.
- Most people spend 56 of those hours sleeping.
- Many spend 40 hours working
- That leaves 72 hours
- How must time do you give Jesus in a week?
- In prayer and Bible reading?
- Attending church?
- Serving the Lord in come capacity?
Out of those 72 hours, how much to you give to Him.
“Have you any room for Jesus”
Have you any room for Jesus,?
He who bore your load of sin??
As He knocks and asks admission,
?Sinner, will you let Him in?
Room for pleasure, room for business,
But for Christ the Crucified,
?Not a place that He can enter,?
In the heart for which He died?
Refrain:?
Room for Jesus, King of Glory!?
Hasten now His Word obey;?
Swing the heart’s door widely open,
?Bid Him enter while you may.
Like little Wally could you say “He Can Have My Room?
Do you have any room for Jesus in your life?
Revelation 3:20
“Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.”
Hymn:"Have you any room for Jesus"
Author unknown
Adapted by D.W. Whittle
Tune by C.C. Williams
