"THERE WAS NO ROOM!"

LUKE 2:1-7

Emperor Caesar Augustus had issued a decree mandating that everyone return to their hometown to register for a census. That decree took Joseph and his wife Mary to Bethlehem. Though the decree came from Augustus, it was God who had chosen Bethlehem for the nativity of the Christ child. Micah, 750 years before, had said, "But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Too little to be among the clans of Judah, From you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, From the days of eternity." Micah 5:2. We are all familiar with what transpired when they got to Bethlehem. They were tired though the trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem was only about 80 miles. But it was made either on foot or donkey back. Mary was pregnant, there were no pleasant accommodations along the way, and they were tired. The town was not a convention center, there was no motel row, and the place was crowded. There was no room for them in the inn. I want to do some contemplating with you today on the significance of that fact. I believe there are some truths buried in the bare fact that the lodging was inadequate. To help illustrate those truths, I want to tell you about a little nine year old fellow named Wally. He was large for his age, and somewhat clumsy, and perhaps not as bright as some of the other children. Though he was well liked by everyone, when it came to playing games where winning was a factor, most of the children didn't want him on their team since he was not a very good athlete. Wally would stick around anyhow, not sulking or complaining, just hoping to be included. Wally knew what it felt like to be excluded from a lot of things and because he was a gentle boy he seemed to be the natural protector of the underdog. When the older boys wanted to chase off the small fry, Wally would protest, "Can't they stay? They're no bother!" How like Jesus. And when we consider that He began life being left out, it reminds us of a notable truth:

1. THERE WAS NO ROOM, SO JESUS IDENTIFIED WITH HURTING HUMANITY:
1. Born in a stable, placed to rest in a manger. Max Lucado said, "The stable stinks like all stables do. The stench of urine, dung, and sheep reeks pungently in the air. The ground is hard, the hay scarce. Cobwebs cling to the ceiling and a mouse scurries across the dirt floor. A more lowly place of birth could not exist." ("God Came Near," p. 22).
2. Jesus Christ left the splendor of heaven, knowing His destiny before any of it came to pass. He forfeited equality with God, but gladly condescended to take on temporary equality with man, to identify with the lowest.
3. But what does that mean? What are the ramifications? What is the life application for me? Think about this:
1. He is able to feel and heal our broken hearts.
2. He understands the downtrodden, abused and overlooked.
3. He sympathizes with the poor and needy.
4. He befriends the lonely.
5. He labors alongside the overworked and overwhelmed.
6. He is touched by the feelings of our infirmities.
7. He bears every cross, shares every burden, feels every thorn.
8. "For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people" Hebrews 2:17.
4. Katie and Eric Jefferson e-mailed me this thought: For our every complaint or excuse, Jesus, who knows all about it, has the perfect answer:
1. We say, "I'm too tired!" He says, "I will give you rest!" Matthew 11:28-30.
2. We say, "Nobody really loves me!" He says, "I love you!" John 13:34.
3. We say, "I can't go on!" He says, "My grace is sufficient!" 2 Corinthians 12:9.
4. We say, "I can't do it!" He says, "You can do all things through me!" Philippians 4:13.
5. We say, "I'm not able!" He says, "I am able!" 2 Corinthians 9:8.
6. We say, "I can't manage!" He says, "I will supply all your needs!" Philippians 4:19.
7. We say, "I'm afraid!" He says, "I have not given you a spirit of fear!" 2 Timothy 1:7.
8. We say, "I'm always worried and frustrated!" He says, "Cast all your cares on Me!" 1 Peter 5:7.
9. We say, "I feel all alone!" He says, "I will never leave you or forsake you!" Hebrews 13:5.

There was no room -- so Jesus is able to identify with hurting humanity. Isaiah said, "For this is what the high and lofty One says - he who lives forever, whose name is holy: 'I live in a high and holy place, but also with him who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.'" Isaiah 57:15. Well, Wally, too, knew what it was to be shut out of some things. When it came time for the Christmas Pageant at church, he was not selected for the bigger parts -- he had wanted to be a shepherd with a flute but was chosen for the role of Innkeeper. Without complaint, Wally graciously, humbly, accepted the minor part. And when we consider how Jesus graciously, humbly forfeited His role as equal with God in heaven to become the Babe of Bethlehem, and when we recall the lowly surroundings, it reminds us of a second striking truth:

2. THERE WAS NO ROOM, SO JESUS MANIFESTED TRUE HUMILITY:
1. There was nothing gaudy, ostentatious, pretentious, ornate, showy or prideful in any of the circumstances surrounding His birth.
2. He was, by His own eternal purpose and intent:
1. Born to a poor peasant couple.
2. Consigned to the least town of Judah.
3. Born in a cattle stall.
4. Wrapped in swaddling cloths.
5. Placed in a manger.
6. Visited first by shepherds.
3. "God had entered the world as a Baby. ... He looks like anything but a king. His face is prunish and red. His cry, though strong and healthy is still the helpless and piercing cry of a baby. And he is absolutely dependent upon Mary for His well-being. Majesty in the midst of the mundane. Holiness in the filth of sheep manure and sweat. Divinity entering the world on the floor of a stable, through the womb of a teenager and in the presence of a carpenter." (Lucado, ibid).
4. The meaning of that for each of us is that He is approachable; He has made Himself readily available to the humble of this world. He said, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." Matthew 11:28, 29.

Wally humbly accepted the small part and worked hard on his lines for the Christmas Pageant. On the big night, he stood in the wings watching the scenario unfold. The time came for Mary and Joseph to appear at the inn. Joseph knocked, Wally opened the door and with mock brusqueness asked, "What do you want?" "We seek lodging." "Seek it elsewhere. The inn is filled." When Joseph protested that they were weary, and his wife was expecting a child, Wally looked at the little Mary standing before him. He was silent. From offstage came the whisper, "No! Be gone!" Wally repeated that line mechanically and stood watching as the dejected couple departed. Then Wally's eyes filled with tears and he re-wrote history making the pageant different from any other. He said, "Don't go, Joseph! Bring Mary back! You can have my room!" Well, there is no record of the inn keeper's words, but the inn was full, and there was a manger, and Jesus was cradled there, so herein is the third important truth:

3. THERE WAS NO ROOM, SO JESUS USED WHAT WAS GIVEN:
1. We don't know what the innkeeper said. We don't know if he was gruff and harsh or simply preoccupied and overwhelmed. We don't even know that the manger belonged to the innkeeper. Traditionally it has been held to be his, and this morning I'll assume it. I think his inn was simply packed -- and he did the best he could in giving the lowly accommodations.
2. This was no glitch in God's plans; Jesus was ordained from time before creation to be placed in a manger. The accommodations were not scorned or refused, but lowly as they were, they were accepted and used.
3. That is always His way. He places value on the small things which are humbly, sincerely, and gladly given:
1. The widow's two small coins outweighed the surplus giving of the multitudes in His eyes. Mark 12:41-44.
2. The boy's five loaves and two fish were accepted, and were used to feed a multitude. John 6:9-12.
3. Jesus accepted the sinful woman's devotion in washing His feet with her tears and anointing them with perfume. Luke 7:37, 38.
4. Paul teaches us that, "if the readiness is present, it is acceptable according to what a man has, not according to what he does not have." 2 Corinthians 8:12.
4. Consider this, then:
1. "The wise may bring their learning, the rich may bring their wealth; and some may bring their greatness, and some bring strength and health; We, too, would bring our treasures To offer to the King: We have no wealth or learning, what shall we to Him bring? We'll bring Him hearts that love Him. We'll bring Him thankful praise, And our souls meekly striving To walk in holy ways: And these shall be the treasures We offer to the King, And these are gifts that even The poorest child may bring." (Anonymous).
2. "It's not what you'd do with millions if riches should be your lot! It's what you're doing right now, with the dime and the dollar you've got!"
3. "What He asks, I give; what I give, He accepts; What He accepts, He blesses; what He blesses, He uses."

Ironic, isn't it? He was wrapped in swaddling cloths as a Baby and in grave cloths as a Man. He found no room in the inn, or the hearts of most people for that matter, but there was room for Him on the cross. He began his earth life in a borrowed manger and ended it in a borrowed tomb. Would that we would treat Him better than that; would that we all had the heart of little Wally -- that we give Him the best we have to give, and that we just don't have it in us to send Him forlorn away. Wally couldn't -- how can you? Have you any room for Jesus?

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