Tale of the Innkeeper

November 1, 2004

This month I would like to share with you a poem by R. May Hill. I chose the poem from a book published by Christian Aid called "shine on, star of Bethlehem" because it encourages us to see our responsibility is to care for all, rich or poor.

Tale of the Innkeeper

I am old, so old and weary- my eyes are growing dim
Yet I dream of the fateful evening when I had no room for him.
The earth was hushed, expectant and a burning star hung low
For the Son of God’s arrival but how was I to know?

When Joseph came aknocking shabby and poor
And Mary’s eyes pleading, still I closed the door.
If the Angels carried the message, if the Heavenly Host had said,
“The Kingly Child is coming,” I would have found a bed.

When I heard the angelic chorus and saw the shepherds who came
Gladly to kneel and worship; sick was my heart with shame;
I am old, so old and weary and this is my earnest plea
That the loving Christ of Christmas will find a place for me.

Jesus reminds us that “as you did it for the least…you did it to me.”  May we open our hearts to all this Christmas time- young and old, rich and poor, people like us and those quiet different. Eternity may depend on it.

Rev Fred Ireland