No Place to Stay – Christmas Eve

You know the story of Christmas well—the manger, the shepherds, and the lack of room in the inn. In fact, you likely didn't come tonight simply to be taught the facts of Christ's birth. So, why are we here? The answer is found in the message of the angels on that first holy night. We gather not just to remember a historical event, but to hear once more the life-altering announcement that changed the course of eternity.

Based on Luke 2:7, we see the humble beginnings of the Savior who had "no place to stay." Yet, this lack of room was the beginning of God making a room for us in His kingdom. We come to hear the message of the angel because it is the announcement of our rescue. The baby in the manger cannot be separated from the man on the cross; the story of Christmas is inextricably linked to the story of Easter.

The real gift of Christmas isn't found under a tree or in a familiar retelling of a childhood story. It is the gift of a Savior who came to dwell in our broken world to rescue us from sin and death. Tonight, we receive the greatest gift imaginable: God’s own Son, born for you, to be your Savior and your King.

Liturgist and Preacher: Pastor Bill Engfehr