It is almost Christmas once again. Looking forward to time we will spend with family and friends. All too often we forget the meaning behind this holiday - the meaning we say we are celebrating Christmas for!
In the book of Luke, we see how their Heavenly Father worked out all things so that Jesus would be born of a virgin and be born in Bethlehem, in fulfilment of prophecy.
Luke 2:1-5 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
But all was not as rosy as it appeared. After travelling for days to get to Bethlehem, the married couple could not find anywhere to rest for the night.
Luke 2:6-7 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 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.
Just like in Bethlehem 2000 years ago, even today the world doesn't have any room for Jesus. Yes, we have time for a holiday, to think about a little baby and what happened that long ago night - but all too often we don't think about the reason Jesus came to Earth as a baby: in order to one day die for our sins, He needed to become one of us. This baby was born, so He could grow up and one day be crucified. The world doesn't like to think about that part. The world is guilty before God, and in need of a Saviour, but the world would rather just think about the cute little baby.
Thirty three years later, Jesus did die on that cross for the sins of the world; He was buried; and He did arise physically from the grave after three days and nights. He is the Saviour that the Bible prophesied about and clearly proclaims that He is - rising from the dead is proof positive of who He is and the fact that He did pay the complete penalty that we deserved for our sins.
Yet, the world still has no room for Jesus. How about you? Is there any room in your heart and home for the Saviour this Christmas season (and all year round)?
We often think of Christmas gifts that we give to our loved ones. God gave the greatest gift we will ever need. You can turn to Him today and receive His free gift of salvation. It is a gift that cannot be earned, it must be received by faith. That means believing and trusting what God has already said in His Word - that Jesus will save all those who turn from their sins and turn to the Saviour. He offers you the gift of forgiveness, eternal life, a home eternally in Heaven with Him.
But just like any other gift, it must be received to be yours.
Will you receive Jesus Christ as your Saviour? Do you have any room for Him?
Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 1:12 But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name:
Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me.
Ephesians 3:17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
In the book of Luke, we see how their Heavenly Father worked out all things so that Jesus would be born of a virgin and be born in Bethlehem, in fulfilment of prophecy.
Luke 2:1-5 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.
But all was not as rosy as it appeared. After travelling for days to get to Bethlehem, the married couple could not find anywhere to rest for the night.
Luke 2:6-7 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. 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.
Just like in Bethlehem 2000 years ago, even today the world doesn't have any room for Jesus. Yes, we have time for a holiday, to think about a little baby and what happened that long ago night - but all too often we don't think about the reason Jesus came to Earth as a baby: in order to one day die for our sins, He needed to become one of us. This baby was born, so He could grow up and one day be crucified. The world doesn't like to think about that part. The world is guilty before God, and in need of a Saviour, but the world would rather just think about the cute little baby.
Thirty three years later, Jesus did die on that cross for the sins of the world; He was buried; and He did arise physically from the grave after three days and nights. He is the Saviour that the Bible prophesied about and clearly proclaims that He is - rising from the dead is proof positive of who He is and the fact that He did pay the complete penalty that we deserved for our sins.
Yet, the world still has no room for Jesus. How about you? Is there any room in your heart and home for the Saviour this Christmas season (and all year round)?
We often think of Christmas gifts that we give to our loved ones. God gave the greatest gift we will ever need. You can turn to Him today and receive His free gift of salvation. It is a gift that cannot be earned, it must be received by faith. That means believing and trusting what God has already said in His Word - that Jesus will save all those who turn from their sins and turn to the Saviour. He offers you the gift of forgiveness, eternal life, a home eternally in Heaven with Him.
But just like any other gift, it must be received to be yours.
Will you receive Jesus Christ as your Saviour? Do you have any room for Him?
Ephesians 2:8-9 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 1:12 But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name:
Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear My voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with Me.
Ephesians 3:17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love,
Have You Any Room For Jesus?
(Words adapted by Daniel W. Whittle)
Have you any room for Jesus,
He who bore your load of sin?
As He knocks and asks admission,
Sinners, will you let Him in?
Chorus:
Room for Jesus, King of Glory!
Hasten now His Word obey;
Swing the heart's door widely open,
Bid Him enter while you may.
Room for pleasure, room for business,
But for Christ the Crucified,
Not a place that He can enter,
In the heart for which He died?
Have you any room for Jesus,
As in grace He calls again?
O today is time accepted,
Tomorrow you may call in vain.
Room and time now give to Jesus,
Soon will pass God's day of grace;
Soon thy heart left cold and silent,
And thy Savior's pleading cease.
Written December 16th, 2004
Jerry Bouey
You may also appreciate these poems:
Christmas Once Again
O Save Us Now
Born To Die
Christmas Without Christ
God's Gift
Christmas Without Jesus - by Angela Trenholm
What Does Christmas Mean To Me?
Christmas Without Jesus - by Theresa Woods
Christmas In Heaven
Ready For Christmas
And this story: Christmas Love
(Words adapted by Daniel W. Whittle)
Have you any room for Jesus,
He who bore your load of sin?
As He knocks and asks admission,
Sinners, will you let Him in?
Chorus:
Room for Jesus, King of Glory!
Hasten now His Word obey;
Swing the heart's door widely open,
Bid Him enter while you may.
Room for pleasure, room for business,
But for Christ the Crucified,
Not a place that He can enter,
In the heart for which He died?
Have you any room for Jesus,
As in grace He calls again?
O today is time accepted,
Tomorrow you may call in vain.
Room and time now give to Jesus,
Soon will pass God's day of grace;
Soon thy heart left cold and silent,
And thy Savior's pleading cease.
Written December 16th, 2004
Jerry Bouey
You may also appreciate these poems:
Christmas Once Again
O Save Us Now
Born To Die
Christmas Without Christ
God's Gift
Christmas Without Jesus - by Angela Trenholm
What Does Christmas Mean To Me?
Christmas Without Jesus - by Theresa Woods
Christmas In Heaven
Ready For Christmas
And this story: Christmas Love
3 comments:
You are so right Bro. Jerry about many forgetting the meaning behind this holiday. If I'm not careful...in my hustle and bustle to buy gifts...I too will forget what the meaning is about. And seeing the people out and about that don't have the slightest clue what it is about saddens my heart. They are all about talking about Satan...oh...sorry...I mean Santa. It burdens and saddens my heart what the children of our world are being told and taught about Christmas.
Great post!!
Great post. In fact, I posted a link to it over at my blog. Keep up the good work!
Greetings from Wordwise Hymns. "Room for Jesus." I suppose it was inevitable that Daniel Whittle's gospel song be linked to Mary and Joseph finding no room in the inn at Bethlehem. But actually the hymn seems to owe more to Revelation 3:20. (See my post on the song today.) Any time of the year is an important time to make room for the Lord in our daily lives. God bless.
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