Post Christmas Analysis

The altogether fictional Christmas story teaches us a few very important economic facts. Mary and Josef, in all of Bethlehem, can’t find any “Camere libere” signs. All indicate “No Vacancy.” Clueless storytellers present this fact as cruel and heartless attitude of the innkeepers. The reason for all rooms being sold out is that a lot people have gathered to be counted by the government so that the Roman emperor would be able to more efficiently fleece them. The Inns are private businesses. Having guests is essential for the Business of an inn. Why would an Inn reject guests if rooms are available? An innkeeper offers Mary and Josef his stables. The Evangelist Luke doesn’t tell us if they had to pay for it. Thus the Word of God became flesh through the generosity of a private business man. We complain about the commercialization of Christmas. Here is scriptural proof, albeit fictional, that it is part of Christmas from the very beginning. More than 2000 years after the Word became Flesh we still don’t know the name of the generous innkeeper. Throughout history this is the fate of capitalist entrepreneurs. Their essential and important service is quickly forgotten.