Download HomeNews - December 2024

In 1966, Guidepost shared the story of Wally Purling and the annual Christmas nativity program. Wally was nine that year and in the second grade, though he should have been in the fourth grade. Most people in town knew that Wally had difficulty keeping up in school. He was a rather large and awkward boy. Still, Wally was well liked by the other children in his class.

Wally let Miss Lumbard, the pageant director, know that he wanted to be a shepherd in the play. But Miss Lumbard assigned Wally the role of the Innkeeper. The innkeeper did not have too many lines and Miss Lumbard felt that Wally’s size would make the character more menacing.

The time came when Joseph appeared, guiding Mary to the door of the inn. Joseph knocked on the door, and Wally greeted the couple with, “What do you want?” Joseph said, “We seek lodging, sir.” “Seek it elsewhere,” Wally said forcefully. “There is no room in the inn.” Joseph begged, “Please, good innkeeper, this is my wife, Mary. She is about to give birth and needs a place to rest. Surely, you must have some small corner for her. She is so tired.”

“No! Begone!” said Wally. Joseph sadly placed his arm around Mary, and Mary laid her head upon her husband’s shoulder. The two of them started to move away. Wally stood there in the doorway, watching the forlorn couple. His mouth was open, his brow creased with concern, his eyes filling unmistakably with tears.
Suddenly, this Christmas pageant became different from all others. “Don’t go, Joseph,” Wally called out. “Bring Mary back. You can have my room.” Silence filled the room. Some in the audience felt that Wally had ruined the play. But others realized that Wally had captured the true essence of Christmas. Wally made room for Jesus.

When I read Wally’s story, these few thoughts came to my mind. First, here at the Children’s Home we make room for children and others who have nowhere else to go. The banners that line the entrance to our campus read, “Where God’s Love Takes You In.” Second, I remembered the words of Jesus in Matthew 25. When we do something to help those in need it is as if we have done it for Him. That truth encourages us every day as we serve children and families in need.

But finally, I thought about you. You, my friends, make it possible for us to meet those needs, to show God’s love, and to share the good news of Christ. Thank you so much for your faithful and generous support. You are truly changing lives in Jesus’ name at LBCH.

I do pray that you and your family have a joyous Christmas this year. And I pray that all of us will make room for Jesus in our hearts and lives as Savior and Lord. From your staff at the Children’s Home, MERRY CHRISTMAS!