I don’t like Christmas shopping. There are way too many people in the same store at the same time, trying to buy the same things.

When I have to go shopping I entertain myself by watching other shoppers.

Some are oblivious to the world around them. They’ll block the aisle without any thought to the other people that need to get by them.

There are mom’s with kids and it’s a juggling act to keep them all under control.

The comparison shopper stands around the same area and looks at different varieties of the basic same product.

Some others, like me, are happy to just sit down and wait while watching others go by.

Some areas of the stores or mall are so crowded that I just avoided it.

All of this reminds me of another crowd.

And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:7

Bethlehem was crowded when Joseph and Mary arrived and were “shopping” for a place to stay. The streets were crowded. The doorways were crowded. The restaurants were crowded. There were people everywhere.

And there were so many that no rooms were available for the night.

The innkeeper did his best to offer the couple some type of shelter.

I doubt the stable was very comfortable but it did shield them from the elements and gave a place for the King of kings to humbly be brought into the world.

So next time you are in the crowd’s, think of the crowded town of Bethlehem where the Savior was born.

Next time you’re out in the crowd’s, remind yourself that Jesus came and died for all of them.

Abba, everyone I meet today needs you as Savior; whether it’s a crowd of a hundred or just one person. I want to be the light to shine the way to You. In Jesus name, YES&AMEN