Christmas in ~~ March?

I have heard of several who have had Christmas in July events. It's kind of catchy to do something like that. After all, in the middle of the year; Christmas is a good five months away. Although, the commercialism of Christmas these days, there are some pretty good sales pushing Christmas gifts about that time of year. Wait, did I really type that? OK, you can feel free to insert a sly grin there.

I've told several people during the past few years that retailers make their money between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Hmmm, ignore that last paragraph's sarcasm then. Back to my original thought ~ but hoteliers in Florida make their money between January and April, with a concentrated focus on March.

What normal person living in a cold weather climate doesn't enjoy a break from the dreary, gray skies of January and February? Spring breaks typically are in March for a reason! Additionally, who wants to throw a baseball in the great white North during Feburary and March? Not me! I'm so glad God allows me to live in Florida during the winter and spring months!

The particular town where I live was home to the Brooklyn / Los Angeles Dodgers for 60+ years. It was a great love affair between our cities. Unfortunately, the Dodgers chose to leave our city for apparently greener pastures in Arizona, leaving our economy in a world of hurt at the most inopportune time. Enough about their loss!

The grounds that were once officially known as Dodgertown is now called (in official speak only) the Vero Beach Sports Village. It will, however, ALWAYS be Dodgertown to the Vero-ites. Minor League Baseball has been operating Dodger---- (see what I mean?) Vero Beach Sports Village, since the Dodgers left. They have worked diligently to bring high school and college baseball to Vero Beach during this time of year. They also host the USF Bulls football team in the August heat for their preseason camp. Umpires come down for clinics, as well as the Dodgers and Yankees (wow, that hurts) hosting their fantasy camps. Concerts and even festivals are hosted there now. They have built four new ball diamonds, as well. Essentially, this year has almost been a break through year for the hallowed grounds that once celebrated America's Past-time during February and March.

I work at a hotel about four miles away from Dodger---- (there I go again). During the first two weeks of March, this place has been almost 90% occupied. We've sold out several nights this month already. Tonight was one such night, therefore this blog post. I mentioned to my nightwatchman, I wish I had $5 for every person I've had to turn away tonight. I could take my wife out for a pretty nice dinner! We have two college baseball teams, a college rowing team, and a part of an orchestra from Germany in house tonight. It has been the proverbial zoo!

Yes, someone in the upper heirarchy of our hotel management would enjoy reading this for sure! But as I've seen the pained looks on people's faces as I've told them I've no rooms, another thought has crossed my mind. Luke 2:7, "And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because their was no room for them in the inn." The innkeeper in Bethlehem was presented a need. Mary needed a place to rest. Joseph must have been a bit nervous as he sought a place to lay their heads, knowing Mary's physical condition. I realize the customs and culture of the day was different. This innkeeper was not expected to leave the light on for them. Unfortunatly, hotels.com was not around to secure the cheapest room. The fact was, however, that there was no room to be found at the Bethelehem exit, and that's exactly where Joseph needed to stay in order to keep his appointment with the local office of the taxing and census bureau.

As I've turned people away tonight (and yes, the phone has been ringing all night, too), I've honestly thought of the Christmas story. I've put myself in the shoes of the innkeeper in Bethlehem. I wish I had a place to offer these people. In fact, one young man (literally, true story!) grinned as he headed back to the door and asked if I had a room at my house where he could stay! It almost broke my heart to tell him that was not a possibility. (Yes, my wife is breathing more comfortably now.) I heard stories of how people had been driving for hours, yes HOURS, looking at every hotel at every stop for 150 miles, to no avail. Earlier this week I had a lady from OnStar call me with a client she was trying to place. No room. Earlier tonight, I had another lady traveling alone, now in a full-blown panic attack because she couldn't find a place to stay. And yes, since beginning THIS PARAGRAPH, I've fielded two phone calls inquiring about our availability.

Is there a lesson to be learned? Other than make sure you have hotel reservations when traveling through Florida in March? I think the biggest lesson to learn is to be prepared to help those with whom we come in contact. Unfortunately, we may not be able to meet the ultimate need, i.e. a room in a sold out hotel, but we may be able to offer a word of encouragement along the way.

The ultimate way to help is to provide the good news that there is a Savior who has come to this world to give hope and help. There is a Savior who has come to give the hope of eternal life and help us through the comfort only He can provide.

Christmas in ~~ March? Christmas can come anytime when we are reminded of the special birth of our Savior. Share Him with someone today, won't you?