The Christmas story is not just meant to INSPIRE us about how the person of God came into the world . . . The Christmas story is more than we think   And it is meant to teach us about faith in our everyday life Because you need faith in this everyday life I don’t know if you wrap presents well But I’m pretty awful – look like this Even when there is a good and amazing inside – it doesn’t come to me looking good!

The Christmas story is just meant to INSPIRE us about how the person of God came into the world . . . The Christmas story is meant to INSTRUCT us in how the promises God come into our world! The Christmas story is more than we think   And it is meant to teach us about faith in our everyday life Because you need faith in this everyday life I don’t know if you wrap presents well But I’m pretty awful – look like this Even when there is a good and amazing inside – it doesn’t come to me looking good!

The Christmas story is just meant to INSPIRE us about how the person of God came into the world . . . The Christmas story is meant to INSTRUCT us in how the promises God come into our world! It is meant to teach us about faith in everyday life The Christmas story is more than we think   And it is meant to teach us about faith in our everyday life Because you need faith in this everyday life I don’t know if you wrap presents well But I’m pretty awful – look like this Even when there is a good and amazing inside – it doesn’t come to me looking good!

Shawn’s gift wrapping ability Even when there is a good and amazing inside – it doesn’t come to me looking good!   This world is a broken place that wraps every good gift in horrible wrapping paper So you and I need to learn to have faith Learn to look at the Christmas story again

the Christmas story is more than what we think

“And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.” Luke 2:7, ESV “manger” (phatne) - “Animal feeding trough in a stall/stable”

1ST Century Israelite Home GUEST ROOM 1ST Century Israelite Home MANGER

“And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.” Luke 2:7, ESV “place” (topos) - doesn’t mean a literal room - commonly used for “space” as well as “room”

- more commonly used as “guest room” - guest room in a home “And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.” Luke 2:7, ESV “inn” (Katamlya): - more commonly used as “guest room” - guest room in a home - usually upper level Which was on the upper level

“and say to the owner of the house, ‘The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room [katamlya], where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?” - Luke 22:11

“ The Teacher asks: Where is the guest room [katamlya], where I may eat the Passover with my disciples?” - Luke 22:11 (upper room story) “He went to him and bound up his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he set him on his own animal and brought him to an inn [pandocheion] and took care of him. . . gave to the innkeeper [pandochei] saying . . .” - Luke 10:34–35 (Good Samaritan story) This is really important the Christmas story is more than what we think   Just as likely as inn -was Joseph was at a home – (most likely a relatives house) A home where the guest room was already taken We look at this and think about society Yeah the government, Hollywood, politics, education They all need to make more room for Jesus But most likely, this part of the story is about outsiders not making room for Jesus This is about people who have let Jesus into their lives and homes It’s about who have welcomed him in but there is no room to be where he should be in our lives

This part of the Christmas story is not about outsiders & strangers making room for Jesus! It’s about people who have already welcomed Him in but put Him in the wrong place! It’s about who have welcomed him in but there is no room to be where he should be in our lives   He’s in our lives but he isn’t in the most honored place- the guest room We’ev got other priorities and people in that space And if Jesus is in our lives He’s not in the guest room – he needs to find some space with our possessions Instead of have a place prepared for Jesus Jesus gets whatever space is leftover in our lives

the Christmas story is more than what we think Jesus belongs in the place of honor (the guest room), not whatever space is leftover in our lives

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. . . The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” (John 1:1-2,14)

To welcome Jesus we must welcome “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. . . The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” (John 1:1-2,14) To welcome Jesus we must welcome His Word into the greatest place of honor We are the home owner Jesus come on in. Jesus, the word made flesh – come on in But the place of honor in my life – that’s crowded. So I totally am glad you’re here. Find someplace to be – your word – whatever space/time is left over – I’ll get to it.   Here is the word of God for you and I today:

for the greater days ahead that I am promising you: In this season, and, for the greater days ahead that I am promising you: make more room for My Word in your life, not less It’s about who have welcomed him in but there is no room to be where he should be in our lives   He’s in our lives but he isn’t in the most honored place- the guest room We’ev got other priorities and people in that space And if Jesus is in our lives He’s not in the guest room – he needs to find some space with our possessions Instead of have a place prepared for Jesus Jesus gets whatever space is leftover in our lives

To welcome Jesus is welcome His Word BEGINNING TO MAKE MORE ROOM: Cornerstone Advent Devotional (Dec 4) On website, facebook, paper copies First day will teach you practical skills The Bible Project (Jan 1) For a year for Greater Days Ahead! Prepare now: see brochure To welcome Jesus is welcome His Word We are the home owner Jesus come on in. Jesus, the word made flesh – come on in But the place of honor in my life – that’s crowded. So I totally am glad you’re here. Find someplace to be – your word – whatever space/time is left over – I’ll get to it.   Here is the word of God for you and I today:

JUST STARTING OUT “For nothing will be impossible with God.” And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:37-38) First determines your future What will you go to first

IN THE MIDDLE This is what the LORD says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my gracious promise to bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:10-11) Without god’s word – You will think what is going on is going to harm you God’s plans without God’s word leads to assuming God doesn’t care or exist Why

The world’s gift wrapping ability THIS IS WHY WE NEED FAITH – CHRISTMAS IS A STUDY TO INSTRUCT Even when there is a good and amazing inside – it doesn’t come to me looking good!   This world is a broken place that wraps every good gift in horrible wrapping paper So you and I need to learn to have faith Learn to look at the Christmas story again

TO FINISH WELL! “Now my heart is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save me from this hour’? No, it was for this very reason I came to this hour. Father, glorify your name!” Then a voice [God’s Word] came from heaven, “I have glorified it, and will glorify it again” - John 12:27-28 God’s sends his word to heal us To strengthen us He wants to do that for you Jesus used to word to help him finish well

TO FINISH WELL! “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many rooms [monai]; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you.” - john 14:1-3 Jesus I have room for you