Christian Reflection and Prayer

Nine-year-old Wally was a hopeful boy, a
natural defender of the underdog, and
well-liked by his fellow classmates. His
parents encouraged him to audition for the
annual Church Christmas play and Wally
wanted to be a shepherd. Instead, he was
given the role of the innkeeper. The director
reasoned that Wally's size would lend extra
force to the innkeeper's refusal of lodging to
Joseph. During rehearsals, Wally was
instructed to be firm with Joseph. When the
play opened, no one was more caught up in
the action than Wally. And when Joseph
knocked on the door of the inn, Wally was
ready. He flung the door open and asked
menacingly, "What do you want?" "We
seek lodging," Joseph replied. "Seek it
elsewhere," Wally said in a firm voice.
"There's no room in the inn." "Please, good
innkeeper," Joseph pleaded, "this is my wife,
Mary. She is with child and is very tired. She
needs a place to rest." There was a long
pause as Wally looked down at Mary. The
prompter whispered Wally's next line:
"No! Be gone!" Wally remained silent. Then
the forlorn couple turned and began to slowly
move away. Seeing this, Wally's brow
creased with concern. Tears welled up in his
eyes. Suddenly, he called out, "Don't go! You
can have my room."