An eviction notice can turn a family's life upside down in a few days. Where will the kids sleep? What happens to their things? Many people facing eviction feel afraid and ashamed and keep it secret, even from friends who would help. Most of us have no idea how close some of our neighbors are to losing their home.
Jesus came into the world in a family with nowhere to stay.
No room
The Roman ruler of the land ordered everyone to register in their family's hometown. So Joseph, the man who raised Jesus, walked with Mary, who was about to give birth, to Bethlehem, a small town south of Jerusalem.
When they arrived, there was no room for them. The Gospel of Luke, one of the four accounts of Jesus's life, tells us what happened.
And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
Luke 2:7 · King James VersionThe original Greek
καὶ ἔτεκεν τὸν υἱὸν αὐτῆς τὸν πρωτότοκον, καὶ ἐσπαργάνωσεν αὐτὸν καὶ ἀνέκλινεν αὐτὸν ἐν φάτνῃ, διότι οὐκ ἦν αὐτοῖς τόπος ἐν τῷ καταλύματι.
Found in Codex Vaticanus (about AD 325), Codex Sinaiticus (about AD 350).
The Greek word translated "inn" can also mean a guest room in a family home. Many scholars read it that way: the guest room was full.
A manger is a feeding box for animals. The first bed Jesus ever had was one meant for cattle, because there was nowhere else.
Ways to help
Act quickly. Eviction timelines can be short. Encourage them not to ignore the notice.
Help find emergency rent help. In the United States, calling 211 connects people to local rental assistance programs, charities and churches that help with back rent.
Find free legal help. Legal aid groups can explain tenants' rights and sometimes stop or delay an eviction. Some cities give tenants a free lawyer.
Help with the practical side. Boxes, a truck, a storage unit, help packing, or watching the kids on moving day.
Offer a place to stay. A couch or a spare room for a few weeks can keep a family off the street while they find a new place.
Help them search. Apartment listings, applications and phone calls are a lot to do while stressed. Sit with them and help.
Keep it private. Do not share their situation without permission.
Make room
The people of Bethlehem had full houses. Somebody still found a corner and a manger. If someone you know is about to lose their home, you can be the one who makes room, even if all you have is a couch, a phone call or a free Saturday.