No Room in the Inn: Part 1

At the time of this writing it is the day before Halloween. Once the trick-or-treating is done and before all the candy wrappers are thrown away, the holidays will officially be underway. Already at the big box stores Christmas decorations are edging out fall colors. How did we get here?

While it is easy to spot the commercialism and averus of our present day society, really as long as humans have been around there has been this issue. Over the next few weeks I will be exploring the key players in the first Christmas in Bethlehem. On a very novice scale I will look at the contributions and actions in Jesus’ early years on earth and attempt to glean some wisdom that we can use as we move into the holiday season.

I want to first consider the first Thanksgiving, so as not to skip over it as retailers do. During the harvest of 1621 English settlers and Wampanoag Native Americans sat down for a 3 day feast. The menu included deer, corn, shellfish and roasted meat. The celebration included playing ball games, singing and dancing. (National Geographic Kids)

It must have been a curiosity for the Wamponoag to hear the English music and see them dance. (Trust me I was stationed in England, most British men don’t move too easily. LOL) And for the Englishman to see and hear the sounds and movements of the Native Americans. Yet they celebrated together.

The theme was gratitude. With the help of their native neighbors the settlers had learned to fish, hunt and cultivate the land. There was trading of knowledge and of goods. The first Thanksgiving was a true example of humans at their best.

As we sit down this thanksgiving with our loved ones, no matter what is on the menu, take time to listen to others gathered around and appreciate the year that has passed. Maybe, you don’t particularly agree with or get along with everyone at the table, no worries, they probably feel the same way about you. Your music may sound odd to them. The key is to bow your head and lift your thanks to heaven for the provision and protection of the past year.

Happy Thanksgiving and Happy Honeymooning!