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The Bible Says
“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, wisemen, Mary, 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.) Little did that teacher dream the lesson that such a tenderhearted boy would teach to all who would attend that program! “Then came rehearsals – the crooks and manger, beards, crowns, halos, and a stageful of squeaky voices. Most caught up in the magic of the night was Wally. He would stand in the wings, watch the performance with fascination; his teacher had to make sure he did not wander onstage before his cue. “Came the long-awaited night, and 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 brusque gesture. “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 – the audience became a bit tense. “No! Begone!” the prompter whispered from the wings. “No! Begone!” Wally repeated automatically. “Joseph sadly placed his arms around Mary, and Mary laid her head upon 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 the 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!” “A burst of laughter – then silence – then tears flowed freely as the message came through to the listeners. Wally, the boy considered ‘slow,’ had made room for Jesus. He could not turn Mary and Joseph away – God’s only begotten Son would be welcomed by him! His tender heart had made room for the Savior.”
Osterhus Pub. House, MPLS, Tract. www.osterhuspub.com I often wish that I could trace The cause for the burden so evident there. Is it that nobody seems to care? A kindly word, or a helping hand, Might have lifted that one from the sinking sand. But the one he trusted was not there In his hour of trouble and despair. His face may be young and his body strong But something has seemingly gone wrong. He bravely attempts to hide his pain But his manly efforts are in vain. He is hurt too deep for an easy cure – Things will never be as they were before. Contentment and peace cannot abide For he thinks his wrath is justified. I see a maiden lovely and fair With never a thought of anxious care, Until one day there’s an ugly fall – Now she’s distained and despised by all! Alone she stands without a friend. Nothing is offered but deeper sin. She sinks to a level of deep despair – When she needed a friend, nobody was there! A mother has tried, though strength from above To care for her own through mother love. Now she is old and those she holds dear Do little her fainting heart to cheer. A kindly word – a loving prayer – Something to show they really care – Is all that is needed to let her know That she is loved will set her aglow! But it is not true that nobody cares. God loves you and will answer your prayers. Just pray for the ones who have slighted you That God will come into their hearts, too. He will prove His love each day that we live. If only to Him our hearts we give. He has promised to be a Companion and Friend And to comfort us to the very end. Jesus came to ‘seek and to save that which was lost’ (Luke 19:10). It was God’s incredible love for us that brought us that babe in a manger. John 3:16 tells us that God loves us so much that He gave His only begotten Son for our salvation. Jesus willing gave Himself for mankind. Jesus suffered everything we’ve ever faced in His short life so He understands and cares. When others would give up on us, He never does. He is there with His arms open wide saying, “Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matt 11:28 KJV).
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