Room in the Inn

A Christmas poem with comparisons from the first Christmas to now. It calls us all to act for peace and let peace begin with us.

The cobblestone streets bear witness to a history

Of those who walked this path

Some in peace, some in violence

Most with hope, many with fear.

As it was in those days

So it is in these days.

A frightened family

In an unfamiliar place

A child, a savior, to be born.

But where were they to go

For them, there was no room in the inn.

 

Two thousand years later

For many, even in this holy land

There is no room in the inn

In the land, in the hearts

Of those who inhabit this sacred place

For hate is strong and defies the peace

That could give all of God’s children

A place in the inn

 

But do not despair

For love is stronger than hate

And those who love peace

Are stronger still

And just as the Christ child

Continued until a place was found

A place to give birth to a new hope for peace

So we too continue to look for that place

That place where peace can prevail

Where hate and intolerance can be defeated

Where love opens the door

To a place in the inn

 

As it was then, so it is now

The choice is ours

Shall we close the door

Or open up our house

If there is to be peace

It must begin with us

Two thousand years ago

The stable owner shared a space

To accommodate a needy family

And bring hope to a turbulent world

History is knocking at our door

Peace is calling us to act

How will you answer the call?

Is there room in your inn?

 

Reviews

[J Todd Underhill]

Always room in my Inn, or life or whatever; I will clean my life of all else so there is always room!

[Philip Muls]

Indeed this theme is timeless. Especially with the many refugees who are drowning while trying to make it to the old continent.

Very nice flow to your poem, elegant.

Well done.