As there was no room
In the inn ... Luke 2 : 7

     In ancient days the powerful nations waged war against the weak nations and with the strength of their army got victory over them and brought those nations into captivity and claimed their lands. Now a days, many Multi national Companies (eg. Pepsi, Coco Cola.) Make use of our resources and sell their goods to us and make profit for them. Tatas tries to acquire the lands from the poor farmers in Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi districts and start industries here. Ever since the Independence when Pakistan and India were divided there is land problem. Many lives are lost. The problem between Israel and Palestine for a long period is also a problem of land. Observing all these it becomes clear that land gives an individual and the nation certain strength and status. Land is one of the basic necessities of man. Therefore, efforts are taken to acquire land.

LAND IS A BLESSING

      God called Abraham and as a part of blessing says in Genesis 12:7, "To your offspring I will give this land. "And in Genesis 15:16-21 He says, "To your descendents I give this land, from the river of Egypt ..."

      Joshua 1: 3 says, "I will give you every place where you set your foot." In the Old Testament God calls His servants and promises nations as a part of blessing. Therefore, it is clear that owning land was considered to be a blessing.

LAND GIVES DIGNITY

      King Ahab asked Naboth's vineyard to be made his own. But Naboth refused to give his ancestral property to the king. It is because, after giving his ancestral property he cannot live with dignity in the society. He said, "The Lord forbid that I should give you the inheritance of my fathers." (I kings 21:3)

      Even today, when marriage arrangements are made in our country, people enquire if there is an own house, own land etc. It is because land gives certain status to man.

LAND GIVES POWER

     Genesis 47:20 Joseph bought all the lands in Egypt for pharaoh. As all the lands became his own, Pharaoh's authority and strength increased. His people should sow seeds in his land. One fifth of its yield should be given to Pharaoh. Therefore, Pharaoh's strength and power increased. We read in Esther 1: 1 Xerxes ruled 127 provinces from India to Cush. Therefore, he was a strong king.

      Even today, those who possess more lands are considered to be strong. People living in streets and huts are considered to be weak and powerless.

NO PLACE FOR JESUS...

      "The earth is the Lord's and every thing in it ..." Psalm 24:1

      When every thing belongs to Him why there was no place for Jesus in the inn when he was born? (Luke 2: 7)

     When he lived bodily why there was no place for Him to lay His head? Matt 8:30

      These are the questions that should come into our minds as we prepare ourselves to celebrate Christmas.

     Though He was of the image of God, He took the form of a slave and became a man to redeem us. Though He was holy, He became sin for us. Though He had every thing, there was no place for Him in the inn.

      Beloved! We, who are blessed by the birth of Christ, have dignity and power, should give blessings to those in our country who are in the curse of sin, and to those who have lost their dignity socially and economically. We are called to give power and strength to the under privileged. Joining the Indian Missionary society that is involved in this ministry let us also do this ministry with prayer.

      Loving Christmas and New Year greetings to all.

Rev. k. Masillamani
Pastorate Chairman, Vallioor.
Email:masillamani@yahoo.co.in