No Room at the Inn
A Meditation by Rev. Cameron Trimble
“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” (Hebrews 13:2)
• • •
It’s easy to sentimentalize the Christmas story—soft light, gentle carols, and a manger scene that feels peaceful and safe. But the truth of that night is far more raw and human. Mary and Joseph weren’t a picturesque couple preparing for a cozy birth. They were refugees—displaced by empire, forced to travel under threat, and searching for shelter in a strange place.
Mary was young and unwed, carrying a child the world might not have understood. Joseph stayed by her side, trusting God’s call even when it led them into uncertainty. And when the time came for Jesus to be born, they relied entirely on the kindness of strangers—an innkeeper who offered what space he could and shepherds who welcomed the news of this child’s arrival.
The Christmas story doesn’t shy away from discomfort. It is a story of a family on the margins, finding shelter where they can, crossing borders as they flee Herod’s violence, and trusting that God is present even in the most unlikely of places. It’s a story about vulnerability—and about the radical hospitality that sustains hope in a broken world.
As we wrestle with immigration and border policies in the U.S. and around the world, we would do well to remember this story. Mary, Joseph, and Jesus knew what it meant to be strangers in a strange land. And as Jesus would later teach, “I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” (Matthew 25:35) The call of the Gospel is clear: we are to care for the vulnerable, offer shelter to the displaced, and welcome the stranger with open arms.
What might it look like to live out this call today? Perhaps it starts with recognizing the holy in the faces of immigrants and refugees, honoring their courage and resilience. Perhaps it means refusing to let fear or politics keep us from extending compassion. Christmas reminds us that hope often comes in unexpected places—in makeshift mangers and borrowed rooms—and that love calls us to make room where there is none.
The child born in Bethlehem came to change the world. But Jesus began his life not in power but in poverty, not with comfort but in crisis. May we honor his birth by welcoming those who, like him, seek safety, shelter, and a place to belong.
We are in this together,
Cameron
Reflection Questions
How does the story of Jesus’ birth challenge the way we think about immigration and borders today?
Where do you see opportunities to extend hospitality to strangers in your own life?
How can we embody the Christmas message of hope and compassion in the face of fear and division?
A Prayer for the Day
A Prayer for Refugees and Strangers
God of Refuge,
You came into this world as a child born in need—
A child whose parents sought shelter in the night,
A child who would soon flee danger as a refugee.
Open our hearts to those who walk that same path today.
Make us bearers of welcome,
Builders of shelter,
And instruments of Your peace.
Teach us to see Your image in every stranger,
And to make room where there seems to be none.
Amen.
Spiritual Practice
Making Room for the Stranger
Today, take time to reflect on how you can make space in your life for those who feel displaced, vulnerable, or unseen.
Start by learning about the realities faced by refugees and immigrants today. Seek out stories that highlight their courage, resilience, and hopes for a better future. Let these stories inform your prayers and deepen your compassion.
Next, look for ways to take action. Perhaps it’s donating to an organization that provides legal aid or shelter for refugees. Maybe it’s volunteering at a food pantry or reaching out to someone new in your community. Small acts of kindness can make a big difference.
Finally, spend a few quiet moments each day reflecting on the image of Mary and Joseph knocking on doors, searching for a place to stay. Imagine yourself in their shoes—and then imagine yourself as the one who opens the door. What might God be asking you to offer this season?
Let this practice remind you that Christmas is about making room—not just in our homes, but in our hearts. May we, like the innkeeper, choose to say yes to love, yes to hope, and yes to the stranger who may just change the world.
Upcoming Events That Might Be of Interest…
January 9, 2025, 12pm ET - What Does the TikTok Ban Mean for Churches, Faith Leaders, and Digital Ministry? Register here.
January 12, 2025, 3-4:30pm ET - Join me for a FREE conversation on “Progressive Islam – Universal Values vs. the Politics of Human Rights – What’s the Difference Between a Progressive Muslim and Other Muslims?” with Ani Zonneveld. Register here.
February 6, 7-8pm ET - Join my conversation “Mindful Healing: Tools For Inner Balance and Wellbeing” with Rev. Dr. Isa Gucciardi. Register here.
February 11, 2025 - Diana Butler Bass and I will be geeking out together in an online event about the state of the world (post-inauguration). We are still putting the details together. For now, mark your calendars.
July 20-25, 2025 - The Art of Wilding: A 5-Day Expedition in Wyoming for Women Leaders. Click here to learn more.
August 11, 2025, 2pm ET - Dr. Andrew Root and I will be hosting a 6 part series on Spirituality in the Secular Age based on his research. The dates are August 11, 18, September 8, 15, and October 6, 13. Mark your calendars! More on this soon.
October 15-18, 2025 - Converging 2025: Sing Truth Conference (all musicians invited!) at Northwest Christian Church in Columbus, OH. Mark your calendars for now. More info is coming.
Recently, I drafted a Strategic Framework for Congregations as we move into the coming years of increased authoritarianism around the world. If interested, you can download it here.