Brian Fisher

Grace Bible Church

Prepare Him Room

Luke 2:1-7

Was Jesus Christ warmly received when He first came to earth? On the contrary - He was completely ignored, except by shepherds who were knocked to the ground by dazzling angels and the Magi who saw amazing signs in the stars. A “generous” inn keeper gave the world’s pronouncement - “NO ROOM.”

“NO ROOM” is so often a metaphor for our lives at Christmas. We are able to make room for another shirt, another dress, another gadget, another toy. But is there room for Jesus Christ, God in human flesh, King of Kings and Lord of Lords? Will you make room for Him during this holiday that celebrates His arrival?

1. Room in our hearts

Luke 1:76-79

“peace” is significant in the Bible

Peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the resolution of conflict.

Presence of blessing; shalom = fullness

The general meaning behind the root š-l-m is of completion and fulfillment—of entering into a state of wholeness and unity, a restored relationship; unimpaired relationships. (Waltke, TWOT)

Hello/Goodbye = Shalom

Micah 5:2-5a

Thee Jews anticipated resolution of conflict with our enemies.

God wanted peace with Himself

2. Room in our closets

He came humbly – Matt 13:53-56

Born into a poor family; no rabbinic education; worked with his hands

born in a manger; surrounded by animals; Yet magi went to the palace to find him.

Announcement given to shepherds, not the rich and powerful.

Jesus associated with the lowly.

He was not concerned with material wealth.

Material distracts from spiritual – Mt. 6:22-24

Buy less; ask to receive less

“Your soul is stuffed with small things, and there is no room for the great.” Phillips Brooks

Give to others

3. Room in our relationships

Luke 2:13-14

He came to create peace among men

The Glory of the angels was so overwhelming, the Shepherds forgot their petty concerns.

Relationships with others crowded by anger, bitterness, unforgiveness

No room for our relationship with God

Eph. 4:31-32

Conclusion

Isaac Watts (1674-1748), first published this hymn in 1719. Intended to be a celebration of Christ’s Second Coming.

Verse 3: No more let sins and sorrows grow, nor thorns infest the ground; He comes to make His blessings flow far as the curse is found.

It caught on as a Christmas hymn because of verse 1.

Verse 1: Joy to the world! the Lord is come! Let earth receive her King; let ev’ry heart prepare Him room, and heav’n and nature sing.

Verse 2: Joy to the earth the Savior reigns. Let men their songs employ, while fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains repeat the sounding joy.

Verse 4: He rules the world with truth and grace, and makes the nations prove the glories of His righteousness and wonders of His love.