We sing of angels and shepherds, of Wiseman and camels. They knelt in reverent worship of the manger’s holy occupant. Through their songs, their gifts and their presence, they acknowledged the world’s most profound event. Yet, has it ever occurred to you that there must have been others who had the same opportunity? Where were they?
Where were the multitudes? Bethlehem pulsated with taxpayers, its streets slowed by weary travelers scrambling to find rooms. Surely someone must have known that heaven’s attention was focused on the little town that night. But the multitude never seems to hear the voice of God.
Were there not fellow travelers who noticed Mary’s plight? A mother-to-be who is at the point of delivery is hard not to see. Maybe someone had a few kind words. Perhaps some directions to a local inn, and then off to some other all-important business.
How about the innkeeper? He was the first one that had a conscious, responsible choice to make concerning Christ. He could have asked if someone would have given up his or her room for the birth. He could have given up his own room. He could have helped them find another inn. Did he feel he was doing a big favor to Mary and Joseph by letting them use the stable? Did he have to move some animals around in order to accommodate them?
Also, what about the midwives who were always present at births? They were closer than anyone to the baby, except Mary. They handled him, bathed him, held him and placed him in the arms of his mother. They probably talked with the parents, found out a lot about their background and their lives.
Think of it. All of these were within arm’s reach of God incarnate, the incredible visitation of divinity to humanity. The Savior of sinners, the sacrificial lamb was just around the corner, behind the inn. But the most important thing on the schedule of most that day was to pay their taxes, or trade some sheep or oxen, or buy a loaf of bread. They missed the significance of the event altogether.
We must cry for a fresh awareness of God’s visitation of revival and true joy to the church today. As commissioned servants of God, let us not make the mistake of the multitude. If we are close enough to touch revival, we must not permit it to slip from our hand unnoticed. Let us seize the moment. Let us understand what great things God has prepared for us today. Let us throw ourselves into the work of saving the lost without reservation.