Luke 2:1-7

“1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

4 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:)

5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

7 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.”

Christmas is a wonderful holiday celebrated around the world. People buy each other presents, and there is a feeling of good will. Commercials on TV show all of the latest toys, and children wait expectantly for Christmas Day to arrive. But, the first Christmas was not very festive.

A carpenter, Joseph, and his fiancé, Mary, lived in a city called Nazareth. Mary was a virgin, and one day an angel appeared to her. The angel said she would have a son, and her son would be the “Son of God”. Mary was confused since she had never known a man. But, the angel assured her that she had nothing to fear. The Holy Ghost would come upon her and the holy child she would have would be called the “Son of God”.

Joseph was very upset when Mary told him the news. He didn’t know what to do. He believed she was unfaithful to him. A girl who played the harlot was to be stoned. As he contemplated what to do, an angel appeared to him and told him that he was not to be afraid to take Mary for his wife, for the child she was carrying was of the Holy Ghost.

Even though Mary and Joseph knew the truth they would still face ridicule from those around them. How many people would believe that the child was of the Holy Ghost? Many people would stare at them as they walked down the street. They would have been the topic of gossip in Nazareth and beyond. But, they were willing to endure all of this because they knew that God was using them to help fulfill His plan for the salvation of men.

A decree was announced that the whole world had to go to the city of their lineage and pay a tax. This meant that Joseph and Mary had to go to Bethlehem because they were of the family of David. It was a long journey, especially for someone about to give birth. When they arrived, there were no rooms left at the inn. They had to find shelter in a stable. During that night Mary gave birth to her first born son, and laid him in a manger.

The Son of God had been born. Where was the parade, or the celebration? Did the dignitaries of the town come to see him? Was there a crowd gathering outside? No. The only visitors that night were some shepherds. Everyone else was occupied with their lives. They didn’t have any room for Jesus in their lives that night.

How about you? What does Christmas mean to you? Christmas Day should be a day filled with praise and honor to God for His precious gift to us, Jesus Christ. But, how do many people spend Christmas. If it is on a Sunday, they might even go to church, because they want to celebrate the holiday with their family. How can there be Christmas without Christ? Christmas is a special day; a day of rejoicing and reflection. Shouldn’t God be at the forefront of our thoughts? Jesus, the Savior of the world is born. His birth was to bring joy to all people. But, many people have no room for Christ in their Christmas. Jesus came to save people from their sins. God does not want anyone to perish, but wants everyone to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). Make room in your Christmas for Jesus.

Christmas should be a time when we want to make things right with God. The Bible says to acknowledge your sin, repent of your sin, and put your faith and trust in Jesus Christ, and Him only, for your salvation.

Maybe you are not sure if you are going to Heaven? You want to go to Heaven but you just don’t know if you are going there. Or maybe you have other questions.

The Bible says to acknowledge that you are a sinner, and everyone, in fact is a sinner. Everyone of us. “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;” Romans 3:23.

There is a payment for our sin which is Hell. “For the wages of sin is death;”…. Romans 6:23a.

But, the Bible also tells us that Jesus Christ came to this earth to die on the cross and pay for my sins. “For He hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” 2 Corinthians 5:21.

Some people believe that if they do enough good deeds they may go to Heaven. But the Bible is clear that we cannot get to heaven by doing good things (works). Salvation is a free gift. The Bible says “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.” Ephesians 2:8,9.

A free gift of eternal life given by God that was paid for by Jesus Christ. The Bible says “… but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Romans 6:23b. This gift of eternal life is for everyone. “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:13.

“Confess with your mouth that you are a sinner, that you believe with all your heart that Jesus Christ is Lord, and that God raised Him from the dead, that He paid for all your sins, that He is the only way for you to go to heaven, then believe what the Bible says. Call upon the name of the Lord, and you will be saved. For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” Romans 10:13.

Dear Lord, I know that I am a sinner, and I know that sinners go to Hell. Thank you Jesus for dying on the cross for my sins. I now put my faith and trust in You and in You alone for my salvation. I receive You as my Savior and Lord. I know that you are God. You died, and were buried, and God raised you from the grave on the third day. Thank you for forgiving my sins and giving me eternal life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.