PLAYING INNKEEPER: Accepting Your God-Given Role This Christmas

Our annual Christmas movie tradition, starring the Whites and the Hurwitzes for years.

Raised in a Hallmark movie set, it was my dream to star in my own made-for-TV Christmas movie when I grew up and got married.

But when my sister-in-law showed up on my holiday scene with suitcases and children in tow, I had to lay my dreams aside. Playing innkeeper was not the starring role I had in mind.

Like the original innkeeper in the first Christmas story, God's depiction of holiday hospitality didn't match the one in my head.

When the script called for joy, gratefulness, and a willingness to serve weary travelers, I served up the same old line instead.

"No room!" I announced, slamming the door in His face.

Stubborn as a stable mule, I pushed people aside to set the stage for perfection. 

No matter how much I rehearsed my lines, all hell broke loose when the first doorbell rang. I barely faked a smile as the rag-tag bunch of divine travelers left a slushy trail across my polished plans.

We all carry a certain script around in our heads about how the holidays should look. 

It's scary to take on a role we know very little about. 

But the secret to overcoming stage fright is to keep stepping onto the stage and listen for the Holy Spirit's direction.

As we continue to move through awkward situations, a certain grace takes over. It changes our hearts and even some of our lines.

"Merry Christmas! Don't worry about your shoes. My house is yours."

It's much more satisfying to let Jesus take top billing. 

After all, this is His story. 

We're just privileged to play our part—making room and letting people in.

The secret to every stellar holiday performance? 

"Christ in you, the hope of glory." (Colossians 1:27)

Whatever unexpected role you're assigned this year, trust God to give you grace and strength to fulfill it.

Besides, you already know your first line.

"Lord, here I am."