Making Room For Jesus: The Gift of Christmas

Devotional

Day 1: Jesus: The Gift Who Saves, Not Condemns

Christmas declares that God came close in love. He did not arrive pointing a finger but opening His hands. Jesus is God’s gift, sent to rescue, not to condemn. Like any gift, He must be received, unwrapped, welcomed. As you open your heart, His saving love meets you right where you are [13:29].

John 3:16–17 — God loved the world so completely that He gave His one Son, so that everyone who entrusts themselves to Him will not be lost but will share God’s unending life. God did not send His Son to accuse the world but to bring it into rescue through Him.

Reflection: Where have you assumed God is condemning you, and what would it look like to receive His saving love in that exact place this week?

Day 2: Eternal Life: Knowing God, Not Just a Place

Eternal life is not only about where you go; it’s about whom you know. You were made to walk with God, to enjoy His presence in the ordinary rhythms of your day. Heaven begins now as you learn His voice and trust His heart. As you linger in prayer and Scripture, relationship deepens and peace grows. Receive the invitation to know Him personally, not just know about Him [13:40].

John 17:3 — This is eternal life: that people truly know You, the only real God, and Jesus Christ whom You sent, living in trusting relationship with You.

Reflection: What simple daily rhythm could you adopt for the next seven days to cultivate knowing God, not merely knowing about Him?

Day 3: From Darkness to Light: The Savior’s Rescue

All of us have felt the pull of selfishness and the ache of our wrongs. Sin is a real infection that dims our hearts and distances us from God’s glory. Jesus took our darkness onto Himself at the cross and broke its power by rising again. In Him, you are welcomed into the light and made new from the inside out. Let His rescue redefine your story today [13:50].

2 Corinthians 5:21 — The One who never sinned was treated as sin for our sake, so that in Him we could receive God’s own righteousness as a gift.

Reflection: Name one area where selfishness keeps showing up; how might you invite Jesus’ light into that specific situation today?

Day 4: Make Room: Open Your Heart to Jesus

Following Jesus begins with a simple yes. When you receive Him, the Holy Spirit moves in and begins transforming you from within; this is a living relationship, not a list of rules. Don’t postpone what brings life—Scripture urges that today is the day of salvation. Open the door; He is knocking, ready to forgive, renew, and dwell with you. Make room in your heart and welcome Him now [13:56].

Romans 10:9–10 — If you declare with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and trust in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you are saved; the heart’s trust makes you right with God, and the mouth’s confession makes that rescue known.

Reflection: If you were to say a fresh yes to Jesus, what specific door of your life would you open, and what step would make that decision tangible this week?

Day 5: The Prince of Peace in a Carpenter’s Home

The Creator who flung stars into space chose a carpenter’s home and a manger’s cradle. He came close and vulnerable, the Word made flesh, carrying names that reveal His heart—Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. He meets us in ordinary places and fills them with His glory. Let His government of peace expand in your decisions, your family, and your work. Welcome His reign of increasing peace where you live today [14:23].

Isaiah 9:6–7 — A child is born for us, a Son given; authority rests on His shoulders, and He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His rule will keep growing, and peace will not run out; He will establish justice and righteousness forever.

Reflection: In one ordinary space of your life (kitchen, desk, commute), how can you intentionally welcome the Prince of Peace and follow His counsel there?

Sermon Summary

We welcomed new friends, celebrated birthdays, and paused to bless Catherine with a song—even in Dutch—because joy belongs in the house of God. From there, I centered our hearts on the wonder of Jesus entering the world as a child in a carpenter’s home. The Maker of galaxies chose wood and tools, the ordinary and the vulnerable, to be near us. Isaiah’s promise rings true: His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. And Joseph was told to call Him Jesus—“the God who saves.” He did not come with a pointed finger but with open arms.

I reminded us that Christmas is a gift story. God gave His Son. We give gifts because God first gave Jesus; but a gift must be received. Not admired at a distance. Not left wrapped on the table of our lives. Eternal life isn’t just a future place; it is a present relationship: to know the Father and the Son whom He sent. Yet the barrier has always been the same—our sin, our turned-in-ness, our glory lost. All have sinned and fall short. That’s why the baby had to grow up and carry our sin to the cross, then rise. Christmas leans forward into Easter. The Savior born is the Savior who still saves.

So I asked: have you made room for Him? Not room for rules, but room for relationship. He comes not to condemn but to heal the deep infection, to cleanse, to make us new from the inside out. Today is the day of salvation, because grace is near and Jesus is here. Many said yes—both in the room and online—opening the gift of forgiveness, new life, and the Holy Spirit. Let every heart prepare Him room.

Key Takeaways

1. Jesus came as gift, not judge [01:04:35] He enters our world without shaming us, bringing grace where we expect condemnation. This reframes how we approach God: not as an accuser to avoid, but as a giver to receive. When we see God’s posture as generous and near, repentance becomes a homecoming rather than a courtroom. [64:35]
2. Eternal life is knowing God personally [01:06:31] Heaven begins where communion with God begins. Eternal life is not only length of days but a quality of life—shared life with the Father and the Son. If you cultivate relationship now, you won’t be a stranger to joy then. [66:31]
3. Saved from sin into relationship [01:06:31] Jesus doesn’t merely erase guilt; He restores fellowship. Forgiveness clears the blockage so life can flow again—light replacing darkness, presence replacing distance. Salvation is rescue into family, not just rescue from punishment. [66:31]
4. Make room and unwrap the gift [01:08:54] A gift given must be received and opened. Saying yes to Jesus is not adding religion; it’s welcoming a Person who transforms from within. Delay often disguises unbelief; today is the wise time to open your heart. [68:54]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[13:29] - First-time guests greeted
[13:40] - Celebrations and birthdays
[13:50] - Anticipation builds for announcement
[13:56] - Honoring Catherine’s birthday
[14:04] - Happy Birthday and Dutch blessing
[14:23] - Prayer of praise to Jesus
[61:52] - Reflecting on the musical
[64:35] - Jesus given as God’s gift
[66:31] - Why we need a Savior
[68:54] - Invitation to make room for Jesus
[71:11] - Prayer for online responders

Bible Study Guide

Bible reading
- Isaiah 9:6
- John 3:16
- Romans 3:23

Observation questions

Read Isaiah 9:6. Which of the names given to the child stand out to you, and why might each name matter for how people trust and follow him?
Read John 3:16. What does the verse say about the reason God gave his Son and what is offered to those who believe?
The message says, “Jesus did not come into the world to condemn the world but to save the world.” [01:04:35] What details in John 3:16 or the surrounding context support that claim?
The sermon used the image of Jesus born into a carpenter’s family — creator of galaxies choosing wood and tools. [01:01:52] What does that image highlight about God’s approachability and vulnerability?

Interpretation questions (third-person)

How does the title “Wonderful Counselor” (Isaiah 9:6) shape one’s understanding of how Jesus leads and guides in ordinary, daily decisions?
If “eternal life” is defined as knowing the Father and the Son (John 17:3), what distinct expectations follow for what faith should produce in a person’s everyday relationships and priorities? [01:06:31]
Given that Romans 3:23 identifies sin as the barrier between people and God, what kinds of “barriers” (habits, beliefs, relationships) might the text be pointing to when it calls people to receive the gift of salvation? [01:08:54]
If Jesus came “not to condemn but to heal,” how should that posture influence a believer’s words and actions toward someone struggling with guilt or shame? [01:04:35]

Application questions

“A gift must be received.” [01:08:54] Where in your life have you kept Jesus wrapped — admired from a distance but not opened? What is one concrete step you will take this week to receive him (a prayer, a conversation, a decision)?
“Make room for relationship, not rules.” [01:08:54] What specific change could you make in your daily routine to prioritize relationship with God over mere religious duty (example: shorter focused prayer time, listening prayer, a Scripture habit)?
Jesus came to save and restore fellowship. [01:04:35] Who in your sphere needs to hear that message of healing rather than condemnation, and what is one practical way you will share that with them in the next month?
One of Jesus’ names is “Prince of Peace.” [01:01:52] Which of his names do you most need to claim right now, and how will you remind yourself of that name each day (phone note, written prayer, a short confession)?
“Eternal life is knowing God.” [01:06:31] What new or renewed spiritual habit will you commit to for the next 30 days that will help you know God more deeply (choose one and be specific about time and place)?
If you have not yet said yes to Jesus, will you reach out to a trusted believer this week to tell them? If you already said yes, what is one next step (baptism, a next-step class, joining a small group, accountability) you will take in the next 30 days? [01:11:11]

Sermon Clips

I found it very interesting That of course This whole production Is about Joseph the carpenter And I found it very interesting The thing that Jesus Was born into a carpenter's family Into a family That is creative Because he is the creator Of the world He actually flung stars Into space And he comes to earth As a little baby So vulnerable And he is the king of glory Like MaryWhen you kissed your little child You kissed the face of God Isn't that amazing To think about this How amazing [01:02:09] (29 seconds) #CreatorBecameBaby

The thing that Jesus Was born into a carpenter's family Into a family That is creative Because he is the creator Of the world He actually flung stars Into space And he comes to earth As a little baby So vulnerable And he is the king of glory Like MaryWhen you kissed your little child You kissed the face of God Isn't that amazing To think about this How amazing [01:02:15] (23 seconds) #CarpenterFamilyChrist

Did you know That Jesus has over 200 names In the Bible Over 200 names In the Bible That talks about His divinity That talks about His nature That talks aboutHis roles And what he has to do In the world It's beautiful But when he said When Joseph says His name shall be Jesus God given Jesus literally means The God who saves Literally means The God who saves So Jesus He didn't come into This world With judgment With a pointed finger But he came into This world For salvation To save us [01:03:22] (36 seconds) #GodWhoSaves

For God did not Send his son Into the world To condemn the world But to save the world Through him When God came so close That Christmas 2000 years ago He didn't come With judgment He didn't come With shaming The pointed finger But he came With love He came with grace He came with joy He came with peace He came with hopeThis is the gift Of Christmas [01:04:10] (26 seconds) #SentToSave

When God came so close That Christmas 2000 years ago He didn't come With judgment He didn't come With shaming The pointed finger But he came With love He came with grace He came with joy He came with peace He came with hopeThis is the gift Of Christmas That God loves us So much And he's proven His love By giving his son To us Jesus The savior Of the world Who saves us From our own sin [01:04:18] (31 seconds) #GodsGiftJesus

This is the gift Of Christmas That God loves us So much And he's proven His love By giving his son To us Jesus The savior Of the world Who saves us From our own sin It saves us From our own darkness Saves us From our own selfishness And gives us An eternal hope LightOh what love I love this [01:04:35] (26 seconds) #ChristmasGiftOfHope

God has given Jesus As a gift For those who receive him Have eternal life This is a gift For us to receive I mean all of us Are buying presents Right I hope you've done presents Already You know for next week And right Where does it come from Is it suddenly we're going to Give presents now Everybody Suddenly this is the time of yearIt is all related To the greatest gift of all It is the gift of Jesus Christ 2,000 years ago That's why We give gifts to each other But the gift of Jesus Has to be received We have to unwrap the gift [01:05:09] (31 seconds) #JesusGreatestGift

I mean all of us Are buying presents Right I hope you've done presents Already You know for next week And right Where does it come from Is it suddenly we're going to Give presents now Everybody Suddenly this is the time of yearIt is all related To the greatest gift of all It is the gift of Jesus Christ 2,000 years ago That's why We give gifts to each other [01:05:19] (18 seconds) #GiftsPointToJesus

The gift of Jesus Has to be received We have to unwrap the gift You can have a gift out there But you never open it You don't even know what's in it But the thing is though Jesus comes to us As a gift from God And for us to open To unwrap this gift Have you received this gift?Have you received this Jesus?God loves you God loves you He loves me And He wants a relationship with you And this gift is for you Not only for this life But also for the life to come When you die [01:05:37] (34 seconds) #ReceiveTheGiftOfJesus

You can have a gift out there But you never open it You don't even know what's in it But the thing is though Jesus comes to us As a gift from God And for us to open To unwrap this gift Have you received this gift?Have you received this Jesus?God loves you God loves you He loves me And He wants a relationship with you [01:05:41] (23 seconds) #UnwrapJesus

We were made for relationship with God We were made to walk with God Every day of our lives We were made to live in His presence Every day Throughout all this life But also throughout all eternity The Bible actually said The Bible says That to know GodIs to have eternal life Interesting isn't it?It says in John This is Jesus speaking in John 17 Now this is eternal life That they know you The only true God It's talking about His Father And Jesus Christ The Son Whom you have sent here Celebrating at Christmas time So eternity Heaven is not just a place But it's a person It is a person Do you know this person? [01:06:11] (43 seconds) #KnowGodIsLife

And so we need an antidote We need a solution We need a Savior Well I've got good news for you A Savior has been born 2,000 years ago But He still saves today Amen So goodThe goodness of Christmas Is that Jesus the Savior Has been born He saves us from our sins From our darkness But He saves us into the light And into a relationship with God [01:07:28] (22 seconds) #JesusStillSaves

Now how did Jesus do this?Jesus actually carried the selfishness The sin The wrongdoings of the world Upon Himself This is what we celebrate Easter That's why Christmas and Easter Are such big celebrations In the Christian calendar We haven't got the cross right now The cross is behind here Normally we have a cross here Because Jesus at Christmas He of course grew up as a little baby In the carpenter's family But of course He lived And He died also He died for the sin of the world [01:07:50] (26 seconds) #JesusCarriedOurSin

He took the sin of the world All our wrongdoing Upon Himself He took it to the grave itself But then He rose victorious On the third dayAnd He is alive And everyone who says yes to Jesus Can come alive in His way too It is good news Our Christmas is good news God made Him Jesus Jesus who knew no sin He was so holy So righteous To be sinned for us So that we Who are unholy May become The righteousness of God [01:08:16] (26 seconds) #HeRoseForUs

Come on Jesus became the antidote He became the solution He fixes our infection He makes us clean He makes us new On the inside This is the good news Of ChristmasJesus is still The reason of the season In Jesus name Amen He is the biggest gift ever Let every heart Make Him room The beautiful song we sing At Christmas time Now my question is Have you You have your heart Have you made room For Jesus Have you made room For this gift This beautiful gift Of Jesus [01:08:43] (37 seconds) #MakeRoomForJesus

In a minute I want to give you The opportunity To receive This beautiful gift In your own lifeIt's only a yes Away Say Jesus I want to receive you Into my life I want to receive Your new life I want to receive Your forgiveness I want to become new On the inside You know when you say Yes to Jesus He'll come into your heart By the Holy Spirit And who will change you From the inside out [01:09:20] (24 seconds) #OneYesAway

Say Jesus I want to receive you Into my life I want to receive Your new life I want to receive Your forgiveness I want to become new On the inside You know when you say Yes to Jesus He'll come into your heart By the Holy Spirit And who will change you From the inside out Christianity is not about Rules and regulations Do's and don'ts Christianity is about A relationship With God [01:09:27] (24 seconds) #ReceiveJesusToday

When you say Yes to Jesus He'll come into your heart By the Holy Spirit And who will change you From the inside out Christianity is not about Rules and regulations Do's and don'ts Christianity is about A relationship With God Both in this life And for the life To comeDon't put it off You don't know You don't know What tomorrow Is going to bring Don't put it off The Bible says Today is the day Of salvation [01:09:39] (26 seconds) #SayYesToJesus

Christianity is not about Rules and regulations Do's and don'ts Christianity is about A relationship With God Both in this life And for the life To comeDon't put it off You don't know You don't know What tomorrow Is going to bring Don't put it off The Bible says Today is the day Of salvation Can every head bow And every eye close I want to give you An opportunity To respond to this Beautiful Musical Beautiful production [01:09:45] (28 seconds) #RelationshipNotRules

Let's pray together Can you please pray together With these people Who said yes to Jesus today Say Jesus thank youFor coming into the world Like a little baby But you grew up To be a man And you went to the cross For me You brought my sin And my shame Into the grave But then you rose victorious On the third dayThank you Lord I now receive your life I receive your forgiveness I receive your Holy Spirit Today I make you Lord of my life And I will serve you For the rest of my life In Jesus name Come on So good Can we have a hand For all these people Say yes to Jesus [01:11:53] (44 seconds) #PrayerOfCommitment

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

What does Jesus' name reveal about his mission?

How does the cross relate to Christmas?

How is eternal life defined by Jesus?