By Joey Williams, Council of Twelve Apostles
Let the church be admonished that the times are portentous and demand faithful adherence to the faith and work of the church, that mankind may be blessed by and find peace in those religiously social reforms and relationships which have been divinely imposed as a great task of achievement.
Everywhere Mary and Joseph went in Bethlehem, the answer was no: no room, no vacancy, no beds. No obvious solution to a local housing crisis! Even the innkeeper was in a bind—her Airbnb (also listed on VRBO), did not include a charming mother-in-law suite above the garage tucked away for cases just like these… But… she did have a stable—an unexpected space and a spark of imagination.
Consider the innkeeper’s response: “I can’t offer what I don’t have, but here is what I do have.” This is an example of creative abundance. Instead of dwelling on what she lacked, she offered what she did have, and her offering met a need.
We don’t always live this way. Fear of not having enough often leads to a mindset of scarcity, and scarcity narrows our vision from the common good to “What’s good for me?” But the innkeeper shows us another way. Back then, stables were often inside the home—safe, somewhat clean, and suitable… at least for animals. The innkeeper’s mindset of creative abundance transformed that stable into a shelter, a temporary solution, a safe space where hope could be born. God’s “new thing” unfolded because she shared what she did have.
Many of you may feel you lack what’s needed to address houselessness in your local context today. But maybe God’s “new thing” is about to be born in you, if you will consider: “What do I have to offer?”
Maybe you offer your presence—showing up with people experiencing houselessness… spend time listening, learning, volunteering, or being present with your congregation as you ask yourselves, together: “What is the most compassionate response?”
Maybe you offer a special skill—fixing a broken shower at a shelter, cooking, organizing, fundraising, advocating, or giving someone a ride to a medical appointment.
Maybe you offer your resources—imagine if your contribution to an organization working with individuals and families experiencing houselessness helped a few more people move from a place of surviving to thriving.
Maybe you offer your story—what do you have to say about houselessness? What moment of curiosity became awareness for you? What empathy became a deep desire to do something about it? And what did you do? Who needs to hear that story?
What if we choose to live like the innkeeper—with creative abundance—so what we offer becomes the very space where God’s “new thing” can unfold… and hope is born?
Prayer Phrase
“See, I am making all things new” (Revelation 21:5).
Weaving a Life
Hold, or imagine yourself holding, a piece of patterned cloth. Examine it carefully. Notice overlapping threads, mingling colors that form the design. Write a journal entry or meditate about the threads and patterns of your life. What design do you see? How does the life pattern you are weaving create justice and wholeness in God’s world? What new pattern is God calling you to weave?
Today’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.