Message: No Room, Yet ... / Luke 2:1-14

One common misunderstanding about the Christian faith is that God’s love is conditional. Many think that people must be good enough to be accepted by God. However, the Bible teaches the opposite. God’s love is not based on what we do. God loves us even before we know God, and with that love, God never gives up on us, even when we have no room for God.

When God created the world, it was dark, chaotic, and empty. But God spoke, "Let there be light!" And with those words, the world began to fill with beauty, life, and harmony. God did not create the world because humanity deserved it, but because God so loved the world. God’s love always comes first.

Later, when the Hebrew people were enslaved in Egypt, they cried out to God, and God heard them. From a burning bush, God called Moses to liberate them. This act of salvation was not because the people followed God’s commands perfectly, but because God loved them unconditionally. God’s mercy and love came first before they did anything to deserve it. After they were freed, God gave them the Law as a gift to help them live in harmony with each other and with God.

About 2,000 years ago, when Jesus was about to be born, the world was struggling. A Roman Emperor ordered a census, which was more than just a count of people: it was a tool of political oppression. The census was meant to increase taxes and further control the people, who were already burdened by the harsh rule of the Romans. The world felt dark, chaotic, and empty. People were exhausted, overwhelmed, and felt powerless. They had no room for hope, peace, joy, or love. There was no room for God in their hearts, minds, souls, or lives.

But the story of Christmas shows us that God never gives up on us. Joseph and Mary, expecting their baby, searched for a place to stay in Bethlehem, but “there was no place for them in the inn.” The Greek word translated as "inn" in today's text, κατάλυμα (katalyma), refers not only to a place of accommodation but also to a guest room. This suggests that the young couple likely went to ordinary houses as well, seeking shelter. However, there was no room for them anywhere.

Nevertheless, Jesus was born in a humble manger, an open space for everyone. People did not open their space to Jesus, but he was born in the lowest place so that all could come to him. God’s love for people was too great to be stopped by closed doors. Born in a manger, Jesus became a bright star for the lost and hopeless, showing that nothing can separate us from God's love.

Today, we too might find that there is no room for Jesus. There may be no room in our lives for many reasons. We may have no room because of stress from financial struggles. We may have no room because of conflicts from broken relationships. We may have no room because of pain from health problems. We may have no room because of helplessness in the face of violence. We may have no room because of anger from cultural discrimination. We may have no room because of burnout from endless competition. We may have no room because of disconnection from too much screen time. We may have no room because of depression from feelings of emptiness. We may have no room because of anxiety over environmental crises. Our lives may feel filled with too much noise, too much distraction, or too much despair.

But no matter the reasons, God does not give up on us. Even when the doors of our hearts are closed, Jesus still comes. God’s love is unconditional and never leaves us in darkness, chaos, or emptiness. Even when we feel overwhelmed or disconnected, God’s love remains with us. God never abandons us.

Even if our hearts feel closed because of fear, anxiety, conflict, or exhaustion, we must not despair. Jesus never gives up on coming to us. God knows why there is no room in our lives, hearts, and souls, and yet, God still chooses to be with us. Even if there is only an empty manger, Jesus is willing to stay there. God’s love comes first, no matter what.

So, let us not give up on ourselves. Let us not abandon our dreams for a better world. Let us not lose hope for a joyful life. Even when it feels like we are searching for space that seems never-ending, God is still waiting for us with arms wide open.

On a quite night in Bethlehem, an angel appeared to shepherds, saying, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people.” That message still rings true today. Jesus is coming to us, bringing the good news of hope, peace, joy, and love.

In a world filled with noise, distractions, and despair, let us pause, look up, and listen to the song of hope. Let us take time to pause—just a moment to breathe and reflect on the things God has done for us. When we feel overwhelmed, we can look for the humble places in our hearts where Jesus is waiting for us. It’s often in the quiet, unnoticed spaces of our lives where we can find baby Jesus in a manger.

On this holy and silent night, God is calling us with love. May all of us here celebrate the God who never gives up on us and loves us unconditionally.

Thanks be to God. Amen.



Rev. Min Hwang

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