Christmas 2009

It's Christmas eve. I have guests staying at my house tonight but I have no idea who is coming or how many people I should expect! This is Christmas 2009.

Tonight there's a combined Christmas service in Poipet. It's just one denomination but all of the village churches are meeting together with the Poipet churches for the event. While the celebration is just for the regular church attenders, about six hundred people are expected to come. Weeks ago I offered to host some of the travellers who need a place to stay for the night. Great idea. We just don't know how many people will turn up yet! : )

Mary and Joseph were looking for a place to stay in Bethlehem but every time they fronted the guesthouse reception desk there was "no room at the inn". We have been waiting for Jesus' coming for a long time. Today I will count mattresses, buy some new sheets, check how many pillows we have and stick around this afternoon to unlock the door for some strangers. I don't want them to have to front up to reception at local Poipet guesthouses. Counting mattresses. Waiting. Being ready to receive guests. This is Christmas 2009.