Is There Room for Jesus?

Luke 2:1–5 AMP

1 IN THOSE days it occurred that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that the whole Roman empire should be registered. 2 This was the first enrollment, and it was made when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all the people were going to be registered, each to his own city or town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee from the town of Nazareth to Judea, to the town of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, 5 To be enrolled with Mary, his espoused (married) wife, who was about to become a mother.

It Was a “Busy” Time!

Bethlehem was a small town of about 2000-3000 people. About the population of Hawi and Kapaau combined. (Kailua Kona population is around 21,500) It was a very busy time because Caesar Augustus made a decree that the entire Roman empire should be registered and all of the towns were busy, especially a town as small as Bethlehem. Could you imagine if anyone who had any family ties from our town would all have to come back to be registered. From the mainland, from other countries, all back to be registered? It would be a very busy time. There might not be a census going on like back then but, our lives can be really hectic and busy just doing daily things. Add to that the holidays and it can be really busy just doing life! Let’s read on.

Luke 2:6–7 AMP

6 And while they were there, the time came for her delivery, 7 And she gave birth to her Son, her Firstborn; and she wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room or place for them in the inn.

There was NO ROOM for Them!

Jesus was born in a place that babies were not born in. Mary wrapped Jesus in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger.

So we know that babies are not put in mangers. A manger is a feeding trough that holds food for cows, horse, or donkeys to eat from. In biblical times newborn lambs that were destined to be sacrificed in the Temple, were wrapped in cloth strips (swaddling) to protect them from harm (sacrificial lambs could not have blemishes). So basically because there was no room, because of the busyness of the time. Do we get so busy that Jesus is left out of our lives? We must guard against that happening not only at Christmas but everyday we’re alive.

Luke 2:8–20 AMP

8 And in that vicinity there were shepherds living [out under the open sky] in the field, watching [in shifts] over their flock by night. 9 And behold, an angel of the Lord stood by them, and the glory of the Lord flashed and shone all about them, and they were terribly frightened. 10 But the angel said to them, Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of a great joy which will come to all the people. 11 For to you is born this day in the town of David a Savior, Who is Christ (the Messiah) the Lord! 12 And this will be a sign for you [by which you will recognize Him]: you will find [after searching] a Baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger. 13 Then suddenly there appeared with the angel an army of the troops of heaven (a heavenly knighthood), praising God and saying, 14 Glory to God in the highest [heaven], and on earth peace among men with whom He is well pleased [men of goodwill, of His favor]. 15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing (saying) that has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us. 16 So they went with haste and [by searching] found Mary and Joseph, and the Baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known what had been told them concerning this Child, 18 And all who heard it were astounded and marveled at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary was keeping within herself all these things (sayings), weighing and pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, just as it had been told them.

The Shepherds Were Outside!

The shepherds were doing things that shepherds did. They weren’t busy like everyone else, they were out under the open sky watching over their sheep. As they were watching the angel of the Lord appeared to them and told them all about Jesus. Where to find Him and Who He was. To Shepherds. They dropped everything, wow they were not busy, and went to see Jesus. When we are watching for Him, God can show us mind blowing things that we don’t even know about. So we can get busy and miss Him or we can see God do His thing and marvel at Him.