Room for God
- Ps David Jones
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Christmas Themed Group Discussion
Ps David Jones
Sunday Morning’s message 7th December 2025
citywestchurch YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPwlpq6DV0o
Leaders note:
This study is a guide—use it flexibly. Adapt the questions and follow the flow of your group. Keep it simple, keep it fun, and create space for God to move as you grow together.
Introduction
Imagine the world just before the birth of Christ. Rome ruled with power, fear, and heavy taxation. People travelled far as decreed to register for Caesar Augustus’ census. Life was chaotic, uncertain, and people were spiritually hungry.
In many ways, not much has changed. Our world, too, is filled with noise, pressure, fear, and confusion. And behind that confusion is a very real enemy who delights in disorder and distraction. So, the question becomes: in all the chaos, is there room for God?
Luke 2:1-7 (NKJV) "And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. 3 So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.
4 Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child. 6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn."
Joseph, a descendant of King David, was required to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem for the census. Mary, heavily pregnant, went with him. This was no small journey—around 90 miles (about 144 kilometres). It took days, money spent, and involved dangerous terrain, cold nights, wild animals, and the risk of robbers. When they finally arrived, the town was overcrowded. And then comes the striking line:
“…because there was no room for them in the inn.”
Mary wrapped Jesus in swaddling clothes and laid Him in a manger—a simple feeding trough.
And yet none of this was accidental. Over 400 years earlier, the prophet Micah had said the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem. Even Rome’s decree served God’s plan.
Micah 5:2 (NKJV) “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
Though you are little among the thousands of Judah,
Yet out of you shall come forth to Me
The One to be Ruler in Israel,
Whose goings forth are from of old,
From everlasting.”
A Sign to the Shepherds
The angels declared:
“You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:12)
The shepherds who heard this were most likely caring for the lambs used for Temple sacrifices. Tradition has it when a spotless male lamb was born, the shepherd would inspect it and wrap it in clothes to protect it until the time of sacrifice.
This is why the sign made perfect sense to the shepherds: The Perfect Lamb of God had been born — wrapped in cloths and laid where sacrificial animals were placed.
“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (Luke 19:10)
“This is real love… that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.” (1 John 4:10)
No wonder heaven erupted in praise!
Why No Room?
Jesus, the King of creation, deserved honour and glory, yet He entered the world in poverty and humility. As one commentator puts it:
“The only place where there was room for Him was the cross.”
The town was busy. People were distracted. Life was happening—children playing, women talking at the well, men trading goods—while God Himself was entering the world unnoticed. That is still the danger today.
Application: Is There Room in Our Lives?
Imagine if the innkeepers had known who was at their door and who was about to be born. What would they have done? What would you have done?
Jesus compared the Kingdom of Heaven to a treasure worth giving everything for (Matthew 13:44–46).
Discuss:
Where in my life have, I allowed busyness, fear, pressure, or distraction to crowd out room for Jesus?
Is it in:
My daily time with God?
My home or schedule?
My choices, habits, or priorities?
A relationship that needs forgiveness or healing?
An area of sin I’ve refused to surrender?
What might my life look like if I intentionally made room for Him?
Conclusion
The Christmas story is not only about a baby born in a manger. It is about a God who steps into chaos and brings peace, purpose, and salvation.
The angels rejoiced because heaven knew what this meant. The Perfect Lamb had come. The Saviour had arrived. The Kingdom of God was standing in the middle of ordinary life.
