Making Room for Jesus in the Christmas Season

Devotional

Day 1: God’s Promises Are Fulfilled in Jesus’ Birth

God’s faithfulness is seen in the fulfillment of His promises through the birth of Jesus, reminding us that He always keeps His word and that every prophecy about the Messiah came to pass at the perfect time. The arrival of Jesus was not a random event but the culmination of centuries of anticipation, showing that God’s plans are trustworthy and sure. As we enter the Christmas season, we are invited to anchor our hope in the certainty that God will continue to fulfill every promise He has made to us, just as He did in sending His Son. [55:08]

Luke 2:1-7 (ESV)
In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 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, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 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.

Reflection: What is one promise of God you need to trust more deeply this Christmas season, and how can you remind yourself of His faithfulness each day?

Day 2: God’s Sovereignty Prevails Over Chaos

Even in the midst of a chaotic and unpredictable world, God is sovereignly working out His perfect plan, orchestrating events and timing for His glory and our redemption. The peace and order brought about in the Roman Empire, known as the Pax Romana, was not just a historical coincidence but a divinely orchestrated backdrop for the coming of Christ, making it possible for the gospel to spread. No matter how out of control life may feel, we can rest in the assurance that God is never surprised and is always at work for our good and His purposes. [01:01:09]

Galatians 4:4-5 (ESV)
But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.

Reflection: Where in your life do you feel overwhelmed by chaos or uncertainty, and how can you surrender that area to God’s sovereign care today?

Day 3: God Works Through Our Hardships

God often uses the difficult and uncomfortable journeys in our lives to accomplish His greater purposes, just as He did with Mary and Joseph’s challenging trip to Bethlehem. Their obedience, even when it meant enduring hardship, positioned them right where God needed them to be for the fulfillment of prophecy and the birth of the Savior. In the same way, our struggles and trials are not wasted; God is present in them, shaping us and working out His will, even when we cannot see the full picture. [01:03:55]

Micah 5:2 (ESV)
But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.

Reflection: Think of a current hardship or challenge—how might God be using this situation to bring about something good or to fulfill His purpose in your life?

Day 4: Make Room for Jesus Amidst Busyness

A life crowded with busyness, traditions, and distractions can leave little room for Jesus, causing us to miss the true significance of His presence in our lives and in the Christmas season. Just as there was no room in the guest room for Mary and Joseph, we too can unintentionally push Jesus to the margins if we are not intentional about making Him the center. This season, take inventory of your routines and traditions, and consider what needs to be adjusted or set aside so that Christ remains at the heart of your celebrations. [01:07:28]

Matthew 1:23 (ESV)
“Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (which means, God with us).

Reflection: What is one specific activity or tradition you can modify or replace this Christmas to intentionally make more room for Jesus in your heart and home?

Day 5: Surrender and Center Your Life on Christ

True transformation and life are found when we surrender not just parts of our lives, but everything, making Jesus not only our Savior but also our Lord and King. It is easy to let habits, relationships, or even good things become idols that crowd out Christ’s rightful place, but God lovingly calls us to clear out the clutter and make room for new life in Him. As we reflect on the gift of Jesus—God with us—let us respond by yielding our hearts fully, trusting that His way leads to true freedom, purpose, and joy. [01:14:59]

Romans 12:1 (ESV)
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

Reflection: Is there an area of your life—an attitude, habit, or relationship—that you need to surrender to Jesus today so He can truly be at the center? What step can you take right now to begin that process?

Sermon Summary

As we enter the Christmas season, it’s easy to get swept up in traditions, decorations, and the busyness that fills our calendars. From Christmas pajamas to cookie exchanges, many of our favorite customs have little to do with Jesus himself. While these traditions can be fun and meaningful, we must be intentional not to let them crowd out the true significance of Christmas. The heart of this season is the arrival of Jesus—God with us—who came to redeem and restore us.

Looking at the story in Luke 2, we see how God orchestrated history for the perfect moment for Jesus’ birth. The reign of Caesar Augustus brought about the Pax Romana, a time of peace and stability in the Roman Empire. This allowed for safer travel, common languages, and the spread of the gospel. Even in the midst of political chaos and hardship, God was working out his sovereign plan. The census that forced Joseph and Mary to travel 80 miles to Bethlehem was not just a bureaucratic inconvenience; it was the fulfillment of prophecy and a demonstration that God uses even difficult circumstances to accomplish his will.

Yet, when Mary and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem, there was no room for them in the guest room. The town was overflowing, and the Messiah was born in a humble manger. This detail is a powerful reminder: a busy, overfilled life can leave little room for Jesus. Just as Bethlehem was packed and distracted, we too can fill our lives with so much activity that we miss the presence of Christ in our midst.

The challenge for us is to take inventory of our hearts and our schedules. Are we making room for Jesus, or is he just an afterthought? This may mean tweaking or even letting go of certain traditions, or finding new ways to center our families and communities on Christ. Whether it’s through acts of service, inviting neighbors, or simply prioritizing time with God, each of us is called to make Jesus the focal point of this season.

God’s faithfulness is unwavering. He is not surprised by the chaos or the challenges we face. He invites us to trust him, to surrender our plans, and to make room for his presence—not just at Christmas, but every day.

Key Takeaways

1. God orchestrates history for his purposes God’s sovereignty is evident in the way he used the reign of Caesar Augustus and the Pax Romana to prepare the world for Jesus’ birth. Even when life feels chaotic or out of control, God is working behind the scenes, aligning circumstances for his redemptive plan. We can trust that nothing surprises him, and he is always at work for our good. [61:09]
2. Hardship can be part of God’s plan Mary and Joseph’s difficult journey to Bethlehem was not a detour, but a necessary step in fulfilling God’s promises. Sometimes, God asks us to walk through challenging seasons, not as punishment, but as part of his greater purpose. Our willingness to trust him in hardship opens the door for his glory to be revealed in and through us. [63:55]
3. A crowded life can crowd out Christ Bethlehem was so full that there was no room for Jesus to be born in a place of honor. Likewise, our lives can become so packed with activity, tradition, and distraction that we miss the presence of Christ. We must be intentional to create space for Jesus, making him the center rather than an add-on to our celebrations. [67:28]
4. Making room for Jesus requires intentionality It’s not enough to simply acknowledge Jesus during the holidays; we must actively seek ways to center our hearts and homes on him. This may involve adjusting traditions, serving others, or prioritizing worship and reflection. The call is to examine our lives and ask what needs to change so that Christ is truly at the center. [72:50]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Announcements and Giving Tuesday
[02:30] - Introduction: Christmas Traditions
[05:10] - The Meaning Behind Our Traditions
[07:00] - Making Room for Jesus
[09:15] - Opening Prayer
[10:00] - Reading Luke 2:1-7
[11:30] - Caesar Augustus and the Pax Romana
[14:00] - God’s Sovereignty in History
[16:09] - Galatians 4:4-5: The Fullness of Time
[18:00] - God’s Will Amidst Chaos
[20:55] - Joseph and Mary’s Journey to Bethlehem
[24:00] - The Fulfillment of Prophecy
[27:28] - No Room in the Guest Room
[30:00] - The Danger of a Crowded Life
[33:57] - Making Jesus the Center
[36:50] - Practical Ways to Make Room
[41:45] - Closing Prayer and Reflection
[44:00] - Final Blessing and Dismissal

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Making Room for Jesus at Christmas

---

### Bible Reading

Luke 2:1-7 (ESV)
> In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 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, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 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.

Galatians 4:4-5 (ESV)
> But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.

Micah 5:2 (ESV)
> But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.

---

### Observation Questions

According to Luke 2:1-7, what circumstances led Mary and Joseph to travel to Bethlehem, and what happened when they arrived?
What does Galatians 4:4-5 say about the timing of Jesus’ birth?
How does Micah 5:2 connect to the events in Luke 2?
In the sermon, what were some reasons given for why there was “no room” for Jesus in Bethlehem? ([01:07:28])

---

### Interpretation Questions

What does it mean that God orchestrated history, even using rulers like Caesar Augustus, to fulfill His plan for Jesus’ birth? How does this shape our view of God’s control over world events? ([01:01:09])
Why do you think God allowed Mary and Joseph to go through the hardship of traveling 80 miles while pregnant? What does this say about how God uses difficult circumstances? ([01:03:55])
The sermon compared the crowded town of Bethlehem to our own busy lives. What are some ways that busyness or traditions can “crowd out” Jesus from being at the center of our celebrations? ([01:07:28])
The pastor mentioned that making room for Jesus requires intentionality. What are some practical ways families or individuals can do this during the Christmas season? ([01:12:50])

---

### Application Questions

Think about your own Christmas traditions. Are there any that might distract you from focusing on Jesus? What is one tradition you could tweak or let go of to make more room for Christ this year? ([01:07:28])
The sermon talked about taking “inventory” of our hearts and schedules. What does this look like for you personally? Is there a specific activity or commitment you need to say “no” to this season to create space for Jesus? ([01:10:57])
Have you ever experienced a season where life felt chaotic or out of control, but later you saw how God was working behind the scenes? How does remembering God’s sovereignty help you trust Him in your current circumstances? ([01:01:09])
Mary and Joseph’s journey was hard, but it was part of God’s plan. Is there a difficult situation you’re facing right now that you need to trust God with? How can your group pray for you in this? ([01:03:55])
The pastor suggested practical ways to make room for Jesus, like serving others, inviting neighbors, or prioritizing worship. Which of these ideas stands out to you, and what is one step you can take this week to put it into practice? ([01:12:50])
When you think about your home, is Jesus more like an “add-on” or the true center? What would it look like for Him to be the focal point in your family’s celebrations this year? ([01:07:28])
The sermon mentioned that God is not surprised by our chaos or challenges. Is there an area of your life where you need to surrender your plans and trust God’s faithfulness? What would it look like to do that this week? ([01:01:09])

---

Sermon Clips

God will carry out his sovereign will despite the chaos of the fallen world that we live in. Do you see it, church? Do you see the chaos of the world, but through all of it God has a sovereign and he is working out his perfect will, his plan to redeem us by a little baby that was born who would go to a cross. See, God knows what he's doing. He knows what he's doing. We can find hope in that. [01:01:31] (29 seconds) #HopeInSovereignty

There's nothing that surprises God. There's nothing that sneaks up on him. There's nothing that he doesn't know about, and through it all he is working his sovereign will. People talk about the 400 years of silence between the end of the Old Testament and the beginning of the New Testament. It wasn't 400 years of silence. God was orchestrating and aligning things for the perfect time for Jesus to be born. [01:02:55] (26 seconds) #GodsUnseenPlan

Maybe in your life today you feel like life is chaotic, it's out of control, there's just so much going on, you can't control it, it's too big for you. Can I encourage you today? It's not too big for God. He sees what you're walking through, he sees the hardships that you're facing, and he says, "I am sovereign even over your own life as I'm sovereign over the whole world. [01:03:22] (22 seconds) #SovereignOverChaos

The thing about Mary and Joseph is they had to do something hard. They had to travel 80 miles with the pregnant Mary to get to Bethlehem. In church, there are times God will ask you and he will ask me to go through hard things to bring about his perfect will, to bring about glory, to bring about people coming to know our Savior, and they had to trust that even in the hardship God was working and that he would be faithful. [01:06:16] (27 seconds) #FaithThroughHardship

There are times God will ask you and he will ask me to go through hard things to bring about his perfect will, to bring about glory, to bring about people coming to know our Savior, and they had to trust that even in the hardship God was working and that he would be faithful. And the same thing is true for us. We have to trust that he is faithful again, that he is sovereign, that he sees the beginning to the end. [01:06:26] (28 seconds) #NoRoomForJesus

Talk about hardship and walking through hard things. He walked and went to the cross for us, beaten, abused, spit on, mocked, whipped, nails in his hands and feet, dying for our sin so that we could be redeemed. And that the whole significance of the season is that Christ has come, God with us. Church, we can't miss that. We can't miss that. [01:10:59] (28 seconds) #MakeRoomForJesusAgain

We can become just like Bethlehem, pack our lives with so many distractions, so many traditions, but be spiritually empty because we don't make him the center of it all. We have to take inventory, church. We have to take inventory of a season and ask ourselves, are there things God wants us to tweak, to change, to throw away, to keep him at the center, to make room for him? [01:11:28] (29 seconds) #CenterJesusThisSeason

We cannot just believe in you as our savior but live our life however we want to. And so Lord, I also pray that if there's some here today that they're living their life how they want to, they're not willing to give up the addictions, they're not willing to give up the substances, they're not willing to give up the bad relationships, they're not willing, Lord God, to give up the idols, that today you would bring your loving conviction and say it's time to surrender, it's time to make room for new, for new life. [01:16:01] (29 seconds) #InviteAndReflect

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

What does making room for Jesus mean during Christmas?

How did Pax Romana prepare the way for Jesus?

Why is it important to prioritize Christ over traditions?