The Manger

Sometime later, Josa was awakened from a deep sleep by the sound of a knock on the door. “Who could be knocking at our door at this time of night?” He looked at his time piece. “It is after 11:00,” Josa said to himself. He certainly did not want to wake his family or his house guests.

He was glad the couch was close to the door. He lit a candle and opened the door. He stepped outside so he wouldn’t disturb anyone. There in front of him was an obviously tired man. His shoulders were drooping. His eyes were pleading. The man appeared to be about 30. He was holding a rope that was tied to a donkey. On the donkey sat his wife, who was big pregnant. Josa’s heart dropped. He knew what was coming.

“Excuse me, sir. I apologize for waking you at this late hour. Are you the inn keeper for this fine establishment,” said the kind man.

“Yes, I am.”

“Please tell me you have one more room available for us. We won’t be any trouble. You see, my Mary is with child. It has been a long journey. We have been searching all day and all night looking for a room. I really don’t want Mary sleeping on the ground in her condition. Please, sir. Please tell me you have a room.” The man had rugged hands and tattered clothes. Josa sensed that the man was humble and gentle.

Josa was broken hearted. He truly wanted to help them. “I am so sorry. I feel for you, man. I would have the same concerns if it were me. All my rooms are full. We even put 25 cots and ten pallets in the dining hall.” He motioned to his door and said “My house is full of guests as well. I am sorry, sir. There is no room in the Inn.”

The man stood up straight and extended his hand to Josa. He shook his hand. “You’ve been so kind to listen. Thank you for your time. We’ll just be on our way. Sorry to have bothered you. Rest well.”

The stable.

Josa said out loud, “What was that? You were facing the other direction. I didn’t catch what you said.”

The man turned around and looked at Josa. “I didn’t say anything.”

The stable.

Josa stepped closer to the man. “Uh, sir. I almost hate to mention this. But, uh, I have a stable. It is very private. The opening is on the back side. It actually has a nice view of the sheep pens and the mountain side.”

Josa remembered what a mess it was in. He was cringing on the inside. He thought to himself. I hope he says no. Even I don’t like to go in there. I’d sure hate for someone to live in there a few days, he said. “You are welcome to stay there if you are interested.”