GOD SENT HIS SON

Luke 2:1-7

December 18, 2005

Pastor William Underwood

Caesar's decree brought Mary and Joseph to Bethlehem at the exact time that God wanted His Son to be born. Bethlehem was a bustling, busy town that day. The innkeepers had no rooms left to rent. But one man had pity on them and gave them a place in a barn. I wonder if the others might have found a place for them if they had tried? Let your imagination roam with me as we explore the possibilities. Then put yourself in the place of these business men.

I - "I was just too busy to pay attention to them."
1-Every room was full - lots of noise and excitement - people asking stupid questions - I had to care for my business - lots of work to be done - I just didn't have time to talk .
2-Does that sound familiar? We are too busy to care about spiritual things - material things are too important - we are just too busy with our own interests.
3-Holman Hunt painted the picture, "Christ Outside The Door" after visiting Bethlehem and sensing its indifference.
4-A pastor asked, "Does Jesus live here?" Wife said, "Doesn't he know we are in church every Sunday?" After thinking about it they decided that they had crowded Christ out of their home and invited Him back again.

II - "I didn't know who it was."
1-"If I had known I could have given them the best room."
2-The one who DID give them a place didn't know them either!
3-Do you realize Who it is standing at your heart door?

III - "I didn't want to hurt anyone by asking them to leave"
1-"I didn't want to embarrass anyone - they are all good customers and nice people."
2-If Christ is to come in, you will have to part company with some things in your life.
3-Tell story of barber shop greeting - "Hello, Rev."
4-Would you tell that story in His presence - or use those words - or show that bad temper?
5-If you heard that Christ was coming to your house today, would you have to hide some things? - put on a good front? - or hope the kids didn't ask wrong questions?
6-We have many excuses - we offend Him rather than others We leave Him standing outside looking in.

IV - "I didn't think that it was so important."
1-We are occupied with trivial things while the important issues of life are ignored.
2-We are so worldly minded that spiritual values are neglected and considered unnecessary.
3-One day, the most important question in your heart will be, "Is Christ living in MY heart?"

V - "I didn't realize that it was so soon."
1-They expected the Messiah - but NOT SO SOON!
2-Many expect Christ to return - BUT NOT YET!
3-How many left behind at the Rapture will say, "I didn't realize it would happen so soon!"
4-The saddest cry in eternity will be from those who should have and could have but didn't because they thought they had plenty of time left.

Is Christ standing outside your heart door asking to come in today? How long have you left Him standing there? Why have you not let Him come in yet? Open your heart now and let Him come in to your life.