For The Fourth Day Of Christmas: An Innkeeper Makes Room

Dinah Donohue writes the story of nine year old Wallace Purling, who played the role of the innkeeper in his church’s Christmas play one year. 

Wally was big for his age, a little uncoordinated, and was still in the second grade, since learning was hard for him. But the play’s director thought his size would add authority to his refusing lodging to Joseph, and after all, there weren’t many lines he would have to learn. 

At the final performance Wally sternly informed the troubled Mary and Joseph that there was absolutely no room at the inn, period. Then poor Joseph implored, with his next line: “Please, good innkeeper, my wife Mary is heavy with child and needs a place to rest. Surely you must have some small corner for her. She is so tired.” 

For the first time, Wally relaxed his stiff stance and focused on Mary, so small and tired in her oversized bathrobe costume. Wally hesitated, as if he couldn’t get his words out. His backstage prompter whispered his lines loudly enough for everyone to hear: “No! Begone!” which poor Wally repeated halfheartedly, by rote. 

Joseph then sadly put his arm around Mary, she leaned against his shoulder and the two slowly walked away. 

Then instead of closing the door of his Inn as he was supposed to, Wally just stood there, his mouth open, as if about to cry. Then he broke out into a big smile and called after them, “Don’t go, Joseph, Bring Mary back. You can have my room!”

Most folks at Wally’s church left that night thinking that was the highlight of the whole play.