And can any of you by worrying add a single hour to your span of life? If then you are not able to do so small a thing as that, why do you worry about the rest? Luke 12:25-26

When I heard the theme of this year’s devotional was, “Who do you see yourself being in the Christmas story and why?”, I thought it would be a piece of cake. Once I started thinking about it, I was at a loss. My thought process went something like this: Well, there’s King Herod, but he was cruel and power hungry. Then there’s the Angel Gabriel, and all we know about him is he is a rule follower and does as God says. Next are Joseph and Mary, whom I see as vessels of God’s love, a very important part, but I can’t find a way to relate to either of them outside of that. There are the shepherds who were told to follow the star, but, really, they were a symbol of how Jesus would help the lowest people in society. The wise men spent two whole years following a star, trusting that they were going the right way to what they were told was a baby that would later die for their sins. 

The one who really stuck was the innkeeper. I am by nature very hospitable, so the innkeeper seemed fitting. When I started to research him, I learned that because of the census his inn was full, something we all know, right? Well, because the inn was full, the innkeeper was likely running around making sure all the guests were okay and their animals had water and hay. He was stressed and rushed, and the last thing this innkeeper needed was a man with a pregnant young woman and a donkey knocking at his door. 

I doubt the innkeeper stopped and thought, “Wow, this might be the son of God,” because I know when I’m stressed, I don’t stop to think “This is someone’s daughter, mother, son, brother, friend, wife, or husband.” Sometimes we just need to slow down, look around, and smell the roses. 

Prayer: Dear God, we thank you for giving us opportunities to step back and realize how blessed we are. In the hustle and bustle of the season, help us remember to slow down and look at the reason we’re celebrating Christmas. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Susi Wright


About the Contributor

Susi Wright is a 10th grader at the Spartanburg Day School. She enjoys service and mission and is a member of the Youth Core Team. She’s been a part of the First Pres community for 12 years.