As we continue our Immanuel devotional series, Lorna Wilkinson now brings us to 'N' - No Room ✋🏻🚫.

Amidst the celebrations of the Saviour coming into the world, there were those who had no room for the Lord Jesus, not simply in relation to the manger where He was born, but, much more importantly, in their lives. Indeed, not even the king of the land, Herod the Great, welcomed this new arrival - “When Herod the king heard this [about Jesus’ birth], he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him” (Matthew 2:3). Herod pretended to the wise men that he wanted to go and worship Jesus, but in reality, he wanted rid of this perceived threat to his reign. God intervened, however, and warned Joseph to take Mary and Jesus to Egypt (Matthew 2:13-15) 💭

Later, during Jesus’s public ministry, Herod the Great’s son, Herod Antipas, also wanted to kill the Saviour - “Get away from here, for Herod wants to kill you” (Luke 13:31). This was the same Herod who Pilate sent Jesus to during His trial, when the Lord was sentenced to death. Scripture records that Pilate and Herod actually became friends that very day! (Luke 23:12) ✝️📖.

Sadly, many people – including kings, religious leaders and scribes - did not welcome Jesus, as He exposed their sinful hearts. We must all be careful to not reject the Saviour and ignore our sins but rather go to Him in repentance and faith – trusting in Him alone for salvation - and knowing that He is merciful and kind. When Jesus told the story of the lost sheep that was found, He said, “Just so, I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who need no repentance” (Luke 15:7) 🤲🏻.

At this special, poignant time of year, let us make room for the Lord Jesus Christ in our hearts. If we do, we will have a truly joyful Christmas! ❤️🙂.

“There was no room in Bethlehem
for him who left his throne
to seek the lost at countless cost
and make their griefs his own:
but there was room at Calvary
upon a cross of shame
for him to die, uplifted high,
and bear the sinner's blame.

There was no room in Bethlehem,
and in the world today
man will not give him room to live
but bids him turn away;
but there is room at Calvary,
and there he stands to give
a home to all who heed his call
and look to him and live.

There was no room in Bethlehem
for Christ, the Prince of heaven
come down to earth in human birth
that man might be forgiven:
but there is room at Calvary
for sinners to abide,
and all who come will find a home
in Jesus crucified.”

‘There Was No Room in Bethlehem’, by Margaret Clarkson 🎶 

Words ©️ 1960 Hope Publishing Company, 380 S Main Pl, Carol Stream, IL 60188