Love Came Down – But There Was No Room!

There Was No Room – Love Makes Room

Bethlehem didn’t make room

While they were in [Bethlehem], the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.  (Luke 2:6, 7)

Why do you suppose that there was no room for them in the inn?  Was there really no room inside?  Could they have possibly made room by moving things around or removing something that wasn’t necessary at the moment?  Was it an inconvenience for the hospitality staff?   Did a woman answer the door? Could a women turn another woman away that was in labor?  Who was it that suggested they should go deliver the baby in a manger with the livestock?

Jerusalem didn’t make room

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born King of the Jews?  We saw his star in the east and have come to worship him.”  When King Herod heard this he was disturbed, and all Jerusalem with him.  (Matthew 2:1-3)

Why do you think that King Herod and all of Jerusalem was disturbed?  Do you think perhaps it was because they were confused about having two Kings in their life?   How would they determine who really was King?  Some say you cannot serve God and money or you cannot serve God and yourself.  You must choose.  And each of us make this choice each and every day.

Who made room for Jesus? 

1. The shepherds were able to make room due to their humble place.
2. The Magi were able to make room due to their faith.

The shepherds lived a life of simplicity, they had lots of space, probably not a lot of stress.  They were living very humble lifestyles.  Humble doesn’t mean impoverished- that’s not required to be humble.

The Magi were likely men with means and wealth. Remember they came with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.  It was their faith that created the humble space to desire to follow Jesus.   The journey was probably several months long, into the desert—it’s wasn’t a vacation hot spot they were heading to for sure!

Remember these two examples of “those who made room for Jesus”.  It wasn’t about what they had on the outside, it was about what they had on the inside – Jesus looks at the inside – at the heart!

 Jesus made room for us

And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.  You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.  Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die.  But God demonstrates his own love for us in this:  While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.  (Romans 5:5-8)

When we were powerless (fearful, lack of faith, living in sin and guilt, heavy burden, without strength to deliver ourselves), God made room for us.  You see we couldn’t all fit into heaven, not the way we were with the sin we were carrying.  But God did not turn us away because there was no room!  God made more room through His sacrifice.

It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. (Romans 3:26)  

God made room for us by moving things around – getting rid of some stuff.  God took away our sins so we could fit!   God is the justifier who took care of our sin (he removed it) and then welcomes us in!

We should make room for Jesus and others

Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God. (Ephesians 5:1, 2)

But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.  Be merciful, even as your Father is merciful. (Luke 6:35-36)

You see, God could have saved us in a second, but instead he sent a child to allow us to decide in our own heart of hearts which King we are going to follow.   Do we have room for Jesus today?  Do we make space for him each day?  When everything cannot fit, we must decide to set some things aside, change some things, or give up some things.  It will costs us—-a sacrifice just like it cost Jesus.

When we look around at others that are suffering, people that are feeling down and weary, can we make room for them?   Can we take some time out of our busy days to lend a hand, say a kind word of encouragement, or thank them for their service with a smile?

God Bless you today as you ponder on these scriptures and these words during the Christmas Season!   You can also check out some of my other articles that may help you consider how to make more space for Jesus and others in your life.  Look for “A Life Devoted to God” and also “The Trinity” as the Holy Spirit definitely can help you find some extra space!