NO ROOM FOR JESUS THE CHRIST

PROCLAMATION

“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son.  She wrapped Him in cloths and placed Him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.”  Luke 2:6-7 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words are from the gospel, the good news regarding Jesus, The Christ, according to Luke, who was a physician (Colossians 4:14) and a travelling companion of the Apostle Paul. (Philemon 1:24)  After the angel of The Lord appeared to Joseph, Mary’s husband, and told him that what was conceived in her was from The Holy Spirit, Joseph decided to keep Mary as his wife and not put her away as he had planned. (Matthew 1:18-25)  In response to a decree from Caesar Augustus, Joseph took Mary with him from Nazareth to Bethlehem to be counted in the nation-wide census. (Luke 2:1-5)  While they were there the baby was born.  Joseph and Mary stayed in the stable “because there was no room for them in the inn.”  After the baby was born, she wrapped Him in swaddling clothes and laid Him in an animal feeding trough. (Luke 2:7)  

 

APPLICATION
The King of Kings and Lord of Lords had a very humble earthly beginning.  He was born in a stable, wrapped in cloth, and placed in a manger “because there was no room for them in the inn.” (Luke 2:7)  Today, He stands outside of the door to our heart and knocks, waiting for us to open the door and invite Him in. (Revelation 3:20)  I wonder how many of us have room for Him in our hearts, in our homes, and in our lives.  Unfortunately, too many people today have no room for Jesus, The Christ, in their lives.  This is a very personal decision that each of us must make, to accept or reject Christ.  Those who reject Him now, will be rejected by Him on judgment day. (Matthew 10:33)  It will be better for us if we respond as Joshua did, “… Choose you this day whom you will serve, … as for me and my house, we will serve The Lord.” (Joshua 24:15)  Don’t be one of those people who have no room for Jesus.

CELEBRATE THE BIRTH OF CHRIST

PROCLAMATION

"So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.  He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.  While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a Son.  She wrapped Him in cloths and placed Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn ... Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ, The Lord … Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests." Luke 2:4-14 (NIV)

EXPLANATION

These words were recorded under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by Luke, the physician and frequent traveling companion of the Apostle Paul.  Luke’s account of the birth of Christ had been passed down to him by those who were the eyewitnesses to the events. (Luke 1:1-4)  For a more complete account of the events surrounding the birth of Christ, one must also read Matthew 1:18 to 2:21 and Luke 1:26 to 2:40. 

APPLICATION

As believers we all know the story of the birth of Christ and during this time of the year, we often sing about it.

AWAY IN A MANGER, The Christ Child was placed there after His birth on that SILENT NIGHT.  However, it was not a silent night for long for HARK, THE HERALD ANGELS SING songs of praise to The Lord.  Their message was JOY TO THE WORLD THE LORD IS COME.  They probably praised The Lord by singing HALLELUJAH, and if they didn't, we still should.  O COME ALL YE FAITHFUL, let us give thanks for THE FIRST NOEL, and let us all sing and shout HALLELUJAH as we celebrate and commemorate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus, The Christ.  A joyous and very MERRY CHRISTMAS to all of you.  May The Good Lord bless each of you with good health and much happiness for the remainder of this year, and throughout all of next year, and for all of the future years to come.

IS THERE ROOM IN YOUR LIFE FOR CHRIST

Proclamation:

“So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth … He went to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child … While she was there … she gave birth … She wrapped Him in cloths and placed Him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.”  Luke 2:4-7 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by Luke, the physician and frequent travelling companion of the Apostle Paul.  In this chapter Luke presents the events surrounding the birth of Jesus, The Christ, and his early childhood years.  Luke reveals the reason that caused Joseph and Mary to leave Nazareth and go to Bethlehem. (Luke 2:1-5)  While they were there, she gave birth, wrapped Him in cloths, and placed Him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn. (Luke 2:6-7)  Luke then goes on to discuss the shepherds who were told of His birth by the angel. (Luke 2:8-20) He ends the chapter by describing several events which occurred during the childhood life of Jesus.

Application:

Jesus was born in a place where the animals were kept and placed in a feeding trough.  The guest rooms were all filled and there was no room for Him in the inn.  Today, Christ stands at the door to our hearts and knocks. (Revelation 3:20)  I wonder how many of us will open the door and invite Him to come in.  Is there room in your life for Him?  Some of us are too busy with earthly concerns to go to church or to read The Word of God.  Our behavior suggests that we don’t have room or time for Him.  We need to adjust our priorities and make room for Him in our lives.

COMMEMORATE AND CELEBRATE THE BIRTH OF CHRIST

Proclamation:

"So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.  He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.  While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a Son.  She wrapped Him in cloths and placed Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn ... Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ, The Lord … Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests." Luke 2:4-14 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were recorded under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by Luke, the physician and frequent traveling companion of the Apostle Paul.  Luke’s account of the birth of Christ had been passed down to him by those who were the eyewitnesses to the events. (Luke 1:1-4) 

Application:

For a more complete account of the events surrounding the birth of Christ, one must read Matthew 1:18 to 2:21 and Luke 1:26 to 2:40.  AWAY IN A MANGER, The Christ Child was placed there after His birth on that SILENT NIGHT.  However, it was not a silent night for long for HARK, THE HERALD ANGELS SING songs of praise to The Lord.  Their message was JOY TO THE WORLD THE LORD IS COME.  They probably praised The Lord by singing HALLELUJAH, and if they didn't, we still should.  O COME ALL YE FAITHFUL, let us give thanks for THE FIRST NOEL, and let us all sing and shout HALLELUJAH as we celebrate and commemorate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus, The Christ.  A joyous and very MERRY CHRISTMAS to all of you.  May The Good Lord bless each of you with good health and much happiness for the remainder of this year, and throughout all of next year, and for all of the future years to come.

THE BIRTH OF JESUS THE CHRIST FORETOLD

Proclamation:

“… God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a town in Galilee, to a virgin pledged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of David.  The virgin’s name was Mary.  The angel went to her and said, ‘Greetings, you who are highly favored!  The Lord is with you … You will conceive and give birth to a Son, and you are to call Him Jesus.  He will be great and will be called The Son of The Most High’ ... ‘How will this be, Mary asked the angel, ‘since I am a virgin?’  The angel answered, ‘The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of The Most High will overshadow you.  So The Holy One to be born will be called The Son of God.’”  Luke 1:26-38 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were recorded under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God by Luke, the physician and frequent traveling companion of the Apostle Paul.  Luke’s account of the birth of Christ had been passed down to him by those who were the eyewitnesses to the events. (Luke 1:1-4)

Application:

This is what came to pass before and with the birth of Christ. (Luke 2:11)  This is what we are commemorating as we celebrate Christmas.  For a more complete account of the events surrounding the birth of Christ, one must read Matthew 1:18 to 2:21 and Luke 1:26 to 2:40.  The holiday which we call Christmas is a holy day and it means so much more to us than what most of the world celebrates.  Let us, as believers, celebrate the real reason for Christmas and let's share the real story behind the celebration.  For God was, and is, and will always be with us.  All hail Immanuel!!!

THE COMING OF JESUS THE CHRIST WAS PREDICTED

Proclamation:

"A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from His roots a Branch will bear fruit.  The Spirit of The LORD will rest on him; The Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, The Spirit of counsel and of power, The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of The LORD; and He will delight in the fear of The LORD … but with righteousness He will judge …"  Isaiah 11:1-4 (NIV)

Explanation:

These words were written by the prophet Isaiah under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God.  Isaiah predicted the coming of Jesus, The Christ, more than 600 to 700 years before the birth of Christ.  Isaiah said that Jesus was to be born in the line of Jesse, King David's father.  He would possess The Spirit of The LORD and that He would be a righteous judge.  Isaiah had said earlier that Christ would be born (Isaiah 9:6-7) and that He would be the rightful heir to the throne of David.  He would rule and His rule would have no end.  He would be called by many names including “Mighty God” and the “Prince of Peace.”

Application:

The Bible contains numerous predictions of the coming of Christ.  This particular Old Testament prediction reveals the blood-line of Jesus, The Christ, and describes some of the attributes of God that He would possess.  He would have The Spirit of wisdom, knowledge, understanding, counsel and might.  He would be all knowing and all powerful.  This coming holiday which we celebrate, is actually a “Holy Day” commemorating the birth of Christ, and it has much more significance than we give it today.  His conception by The Holy Spirit and His birth through a virgin were ordained by God so that He could save us from our sins. (Matthew 1:18-23)  Jesus was born to be the sacrificial Lamb who would pay the price for our sins and the sins of the world. (John 1:29)  However, only those of us who believe that He is The Son of God will be saved. (John 3:16)

The Birth Of Jesus The Christ

"... And she gave birth to her firstborn, a Son. She wrapped Him in cloths and placed him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn."  Luke 2:7 (NIV)

This account of the birth of Jesus, The Christ, was recorded by Luke, the physician and frequent travelling companion of the Apostle Paul.  The virgin Mary, who was engaged to Joseph,
 conceived the child with the aid of The Holy Spirit of God. (Matthew 1:18)  This was predicted some four hundred years earlier by the prophet Isaiah and recorded in the Holy Scriptures. (Isaiah 7:14)  She wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, as was the Jewish custom in that time.  She placed Him in a manger, which was an animal feeding trough.  They were in the animal shelter because the town of Bethlehem was crowed with people coming to pay their taxes, as decreed by Cesar Augustus, (Luke 2:1-3), and there was no room for them in any of the guest quarters.    

The Holy Spirit of God came upon the virgin Mary and she conceived as the angel Gabriel told her. (Luke 1:26-35)  Although He was with God in heaven before the beginning of time, (John 1:1), Jesus, The Son of God, left heaven, and put on human flesh and dwelt among us. (John 1:14)  His birth was part of the divine plan for the redemption of man.  He humbled Himself, took on the form of man, lived a sin-free life, and was obedient even unto His death on the cross. (Philippians 2:6-8)  He was born in order to be the sacrificial lamb for the sins of man. (John 1:29)  We all should thank God for the birth of Christ, without which our salvation would not be possible. (2 Corinthians 9:15 and John 14:6)

MERRY CHRISTMAS Celebrate The Birth Of Christ

"So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David.  He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child.  While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a Son.  She wrapped Him in cloths and placed Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn ...  And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night.  An angel of The Lord appeared to them, and the glory of The Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid.  I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ The Lord.  This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.'  Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests." Luke 2:4-14 (NIV)

Luke, the physician who accompanied the Apostle Paul, described the events around the birth of Christ.

For a more complete account of the events surrounding the birth of Christ, one must read Matthew 1:18 to 2:18 and Luke 1:26 to 2:40.  AWAY IN A MANGER The Christ Child was placed after His birth on that SILENT NIGHT.  However, it was not silent for long for HARK, THE HERALD ANGELS SING a song and praise The Lord.  Their message was JOY TO THE WORLD THE LORD IS COME.  They
probably praised The Lord by singing HALLELUJAH, and if they didn't we still should.  O COME ALL YE FAITHFUL, let us give thanks for THE FIRST NOEL, and let us all sing and shout HALLELUJAH as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, The Christ.  A very MERRY CHRISTMAS to all of you, and may The Good Lord bless each of you with good health and much happiness for the remainder of this year, and throughout all of next year, and for all of the years to come.

The Coming Of Christ Predicted And Fulfilled

"The angel went to her and said, 'Greetings, you who are highly favored! The Lord is with you.' Mary was greatly troubled at his words and wondered what kind of greeting this might be.  But the angel said to her, 'Do not be afraid, Mary, you have found favor with God.  You will be with child and give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus.' "  Luke 1:26-38 (NIV)

The immaculate conception and the birth of Jesus Christ, which was foretold by the prophets, (Isaiah 7:14, 9:6, &11:1; Jeremiah 23:5, & 35:15; Malachi 3:1) did in fact come to pass and it was documented here in the gospels. (Luke 1:26-38, and Matthew 1:18-23, and John 1:14)

It would be good for us to read the Biblical accounts of the events surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ during this season which we set aside to commemorate His birth.  No one account gives the whole story, so it is a good idea to read all of the accounts.  With all of your gift giving and celebrating, please remember to give thanks.  Share, give, but "don't forget to tell the kids, whose birthday this really is." (song by Ray Parker)  Let's not get so caught up in the worldly traditions and customs that we forget the reason we are so joyful.

The Coming Of Jesus Was Predicted

"A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from His roots a Branch will bear fruit.  The Spirit of The LORD will rest on him; The Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, The Spirit of counsel and of power, The Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of The LORD; and He will delight in the fear of The LORD."  Isaiah 11:1-4 (NIV)

The prophet Isiah predicted the coming of Jesus Christ some 600 to 700 years before the birth of Christ.  He was to be born in the line of Jesse, King David's father.  He was to possess The Spirit of The LORD.  Isaiah said earlier that He would be born of a virgin, (Isaiah 9:6-7) and that He would be the rightful heir to the throne of David.

The Bible contains numerous predictions of the coming of Christ.  This particular Old Testament prediction reveals His blood-line and describes the attributes of God that He would possess.  This holy day that we celebrate, commemorating the birth of Christ, has much more significance than we give it today.  His conception by The Holy Spirit and His birth through a virgin was so that He could save us from our sins. (Matthew 1:20-23)  However, only those who believe will be saved. (John 3:16)

Celebrating The Birth Of Christ # 3

"So Joseph ... went ... to Bethlehem ... with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a Child. While they were there ... she gave birth to her firstborn, a Son. She wrapped Him in cloths and placed Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn ... An angel of The Lord appeared ... said ... 'Today ... a Savior has been born ... He is Christ The Lord' ... Suddenly a great company of heavenly hosts appeared with the angel, praising God saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests." Luke 2:1-14

This is a brief summary of one of the Biblical accounts of the birth of Jesus The Christ, Immanuel. You should read the whole story for yourself as part of your celebration of the birth of Christ today. Then you too can praise God saying, "All hail King Jesus; All hail Immanuel!!!

May you have a blessed celebration of the birth of Christ today.

Celebrating The Birth Of Christ # 2

"... An angel of The Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, 'Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from The Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a Son, and you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins'. All this took place to fulfill what The Lord had said through the prophet: 'The virgin will be with Child and will give birth to a Son, and they will call Him Immanuel' which means 'God with us'." Matthew 1:20-23 (NIV)

This is what we celebrate when we celebrate the birth of Christ. Christmas means much more to us than what most of the world sees. Let's celebrate the real reason for Christmas and let's share the real story behind the celebration. God was and is with us. All hail Immanuel!!!

Celebrating The Birth Of Christ

"Therefore The Lord Himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and give birth to a Son and will call Him Immanuel." Isaiah 7:14 (NIV)

"For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given, and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)

The birth of Christ was predicted by the prophet Isaiah more than 400 years before it happened. Isaiah also went on to elaborate on Immanuel by describing Him. It is because of the fulfillment of this prophecy that we celebrate the birth of Christ.

A study of the celebration of "Christmas" reveals that the pagans had celebrations during the same time of the year with decorated trees, and lights, and feasts, hundreds of years before the birth of Christ. Their celebration then had nothing to do with Christ just as today the commercialization of Christmas is not about Christ.

Know what you are celebrating and why. Learn about the conception and birth of Christ (Matthew 1:18-2:23 and Luke 1:26-2:21) and tell someone about it. As Christians, we celebrate the birth of Christ because of who He is. Let's keep Christ in "CHRISTmas" and show the world
the Christ that is within us.

The Birth of Jesus And Prophecy

The conception, birth, and early life of Jesus The Christ is presented in Matthew 1:18-2:23 and in Luke 1:26-2:21. Reading both accounts will provide a more complete perspective on the events that transpired.

However, the conception and birth of Jesus was predicted by the prophets more than 400 years beforehand, Isaiah 7:14 and 9:6-7.

"Therefore The Lord Himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and give birth to a Son and will call Him Immanuel." Isaiah 7:14

We celebrate the birth of Christ because of how special He was and is. God put on flesh and dwelt among us to save us from our sins. (John 1:1 & 1:14) Let us not get so caught up in the commercialization of Christmas that we forget what we are really celebrating and why. Let's keep Christ in Christmas.