What About You?

Introduction:

Luke 2:1–7 ESV

1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

Pray.

1. The Movement of God (v.1-6)

Think of all of the Christmas Characters and how God guided, or moved, each one of them

Caesar Augustus - to issue the census

Mary and Joseph - to be registered in Bethlehem and fulfill the prophecy of the place of Jesus’ birth

The Magi - moved to follow the star and demonstrate that the gospel is for the whole world

You - God has guided you to Himself, even this very night, to hear the message of the gospel

2. The Timing of God (v.6-7)

God had already set things in motion from the foundation of the world to accomplish His divine plan.

You and I need to understand that we are part of a bigger story than ourselves. We are part of God’s cosmic story of redemption, but we have our own smaller story within that plan of how God wants to save you and me.

Think about it.

Things were already set in motion for Mary to give birth when her time came

She was 9 months pregnant and the birth was inevitable

God brings things forth in His timing, including your spiritual birth

There is a time for everything under the sun. Some things are timed according to the normal course of events (seasons, births, etc) and some things are timed according to God’s prophetic timeline

3. The Gift of God (v.7)

Jesus is God’s gift to the world.

You are probably familiar with the verse John 3:16

John 3:16 ESV

16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

We have memorized this verse in this way, but the phrasing is really better rendered from the Greek,

“God loved the world in this way...”

How has God loved us? He loved us by giving us the gift of His Son, Jesus.

It’s interesting, isn’t it, that we give gifts wrapped in fancy paper and bows, and yet God gave us His gift wrapped in swaddling clothes.

Those swaddling clothes were essentially strips of cloth.

Those same types of cloth could later be used to wrap the body of Jesus at His death for you and for me.

Conclusion

I want to wrap things up tonight be talking about the famous inn keeper. A lot of people have observed how the inn keeper had no room for Jesus. This poor man has been ostracized and used as a bad example for all of these years because of something that was out of his control.

It wasn’t the inn keeper’s fault that all of these people were in Bethlehem. It wasn’t his fault that there were no available rooms in the inn, or guest house, when Mary and Joseph arrived. We don’t even know if he was the one that was kind enough to give them a place in the stable. At least it was some place for them to get out of the elements.

All we know is that he is forever mentioned as someone that had no room for Jesus.

Well, as I said before, it wasn’t his fault. He cannot be held guilty for not having room for the Savior, but you and I surely can.

Perhaps tonight you have filled your heart with so many other cares and worries that you have no room for Jesus.

Perhaps you have followed other gods and lusts of the flesh that you have no space for him in your life.

Jesus will not accept partial rule of your life. He is either your Savior and Lord or He is nothing.

In the age in which we live, so many people have adopted a western form of Christianity. They follow Jesus when it is convenient for them, when it makes them look good, or when it benefits them in some way. But, they retain control over their lives.

If we are to follow Jesus, we must bow the knee and humbly give Him all we have. We must make room in our hearts for Jesus to rule and reign.

God has been orchestrating the events of your life you lead you to this moment. Perhaps that movement brings forth your spiritual birth. I pray that you are not stillborn and refuse to come forth at the appointed time or your salvation.

Jesus loves you. He is the gift of God for all who will believe on Him and be saved. What about you?