The Christmas of No

Luke 2:1-7

Scripture Reference

Luke 2:1-7 — “And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David,) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.”

Introduction

Christmas is full of noise — lights, parties, shopping lists, family schedules, and ministry events. Yet the Christmas story begins with a quieter, aching detail: there was no room. That small phrase exposes a truth that matters for every believer, especially young adults balancing careers, relationships, and faith. The shepherds heard “fear not,” the angels proclaimed good tidings, and God’s eternal kingdom began in a stable because the world had said “no.” This sermon — “The Christmas of No” — examines three ways the world, and often we, respond with “no” to God: no free space, no fear (meaning, do not fear God’s plan), and no finish (God’s kingdom has no end). We will look carefully at each, challenge our hearts, and consider practical ways to say “yes” to the Savior this season.

Everybody being here this morning. Ashley, good to see you. Glad you made it in this morning. Hey, man, we may need to put some extra, extra adults over there. We got Izzy over there. Toys. I’m just kidding. They sent him back up. They know. They know. Amen. No, we’re good. Good to see everybody. Good to see Miss Claudine, Miss Emma here with us this morning as well. So glad everybody’s made it to the house of God. Luke, chapter number two. I’m going to bring to you a different message this morning. Luke, chapter two again, verse number one. You know, this is the Christmas story here. It says, and it came to pass in those days that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. This taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria. And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee out of the city of Nazareth into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be taxed with Mary, his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was that while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. She brought forth her firstborn son, wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger because there was no room for them in the inn. We’re going to focus on that phrase there at the end of the passage. At the end of verse seven. There was no room for them in the inn. We’re going to preach a message entitled, this morning, the Christmas of no. Christmas of no. That would be. N o the Christmas of no. Let’s pray. Father, we love you. We thank you for the truths of the word of God. Lord. Help us, Lord. We need you’d power. We need your presence this morning, Lord. Yes, we have a big event for the kids next door, and we have a good time planned. We got the preaching of the word of God this morning for the adults and teenagers here. But, Lord, everything that we do, it would all be in vain if you didn’t show up. And, God, I pray that your power would be evident this morning. I pray that your presence would be felt. I pray, Lord, that nothing would be said that you didn’t want said from this pulpit this morning. Give me the words to say the wisdom, to say it with. Hide me behind your cross and may your will be done. Most importantly, help us, Lord, not to say no to you this Christmas, but rather to welcome you with arms wide open. I pray, Lord, Your will be done. Bless us, use us, Guide us, please. We ask these things. In your name we pray. Amen. You can go ahead and be seated.”

Quote from Preacher

1. No Free Space — No Room for Jesus
   1. Text and truth: Luke 2:7: “there was no room for them in the inn.” The Messiah’s birthplace met a cold “no.”
   2. Explanation: The world literally had no physical room, and often spiritually there is no room in hearts overloaded with busyness, debt, and distractions. Jesus was born in humble conditions, not because of lack of worth but because people refused space.
   3. Application paragraph: Ask whether Jesus has a place in your everyday schedule and home. The preacher asked plainly: does Jesus have a place to belong in your life, or is His presence inconvenient? The question challenges busy young adults: where will you make room for daily Bible reading, prayer, worship, and service?
   4. Supporting Scripture: Matthew 8:20 — “The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.” Jesus experienced exclusion throughout life.
2. No Fear — Do Not Fear God’s Plan, Purpose, or Promises
   1. Text and truth: Luke 2:10 — “And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.”
   2. Explanation: God’s plan is not to harm but to restore; His purpose is to save and to fellowship with us; His promises are sure. The preacher traced fear to our demand for full control and immediate details. God asks trust, not complete preview.
   3. Application paragraph: Don’t be afraid to follow where God leads — even if it means sacrificial service, change, or loss. The Christian life often calls us to surrender plans and comforts for God’s greater purpose (Romans 12:1; Romans 8:29). God keeps His promises (Titus 1:2). Fear should not keep us from obedience.
   4. Supporting Scripture: Luke 1:30-33; Romans 8:29; Hebrews 9:22 — the reasons for God’s plan and the cost of redemption.
3. No Finish — The Eternal Reign, Proclamation, and Praise
   1. Text and truth: Luke 1:33 — “And of his kingdom there shall be no end.”
   2. Explanation: God’s kingdom is eternal. The preacher highlighted three ways “no finish” matters:
      1. No finish to His reign: God is eternal, immutable, outside of time (Psalm 90:2; Isaiah 40:28).
      2. No finish to His proclamation: The Great Commission continues; even one soul saved justifies the mission (Luke 15:7; Matthew 28:18-20).
      3. No finish to His praise: Christians will praise God forever; reflecting on blessings produces grateful worship rather than complaining.
   3. Application paragraph: If God’s reign, mission, and praise are never-ending, then our service is not for immediate applause but for eternity. Whether you are led to local ministry, missions, or faithful daily witness, perseverance matters. The preacher reminded us of missionaries who endured rejection and danger, yet their work bore fruit beyond their lifetimes.

Outline

The outline above provides a clear roadmap: firstly confront the “no” of space, then dismantle the “no” of fear, and finally proclaim the “no” that does not exist for God’s kingdom. Each major point is supported with Scripture and practical explanation so the average church member — especially a young adult — can understand and act. Consider re-reading each section in your quiet time and asking the Holy Spirit which “no” is most present in your life.

Summary

The Christmas of No asks us to stop tolerating the world’s rejections of Christ. From Bethlehem’s stable to the empty tomb, Jesus faced “no” — no room, no rest, no immediate acceptance. Yet God’s plan prevailed: fear was conquered by the angelic proclamation of good tidings, God’s purpose was fulfilled in Christ’s saving work, and His kingdom continues without end. This Christmas, do not add your “no” to the long list God already bears. Instead, make room for Jesus in your schedule and home, trust His plan even when you lack details, and join His never-ending mission and praise.

Don’t be afraid of God’s plan for your life. Don’t be afraid of God’s purpose for your life. But don’t be afraid of God’s promises. He’s kept every one of them. He’s batting a thousand now.

Quote to Ponder

Application for the Week

Practical, measurable steps to turn “no” into “yes” this week. These are simple but spiritual disciplines you can start today. Pick one or more, be accountable to a friend or family member, and report back next Sunday about what God did.

1. Make room — carve out 30 minutes daily for God
   1. Start with 10 minutes of Scripture reading (use Luke 1–2 this week), 10 minutes of prayer, and 10 minutes of journaling or quiet reflection.
   2. Practical tip: schedule it on your phone as a non-negotiable appointment. If something else competes, choose God’s appointment first.
2. Confront fear — one act of obedience this week
   1. Identify one thing God has been prompting you to do but you’ve feared: an apology, a move toward ministry, a mission commitment, or sharing the gospel with a friend.
   2. Take one concrete step: send a message, volunteer for a ministry task, give the phone number of a local missionary support, or invite someone to church.
3. Persevere in the proclamation — share the Gospel with at least one person
   1. Pray for boldness; ask God to give you one open door this week.
   2. Use a simple gospel outline (creation, fall, redemption in Christ, response) and ask if you can pray with them.
4. Practice praise — nightly gratitude list
   1. Each evening write down three things God did for you that day. Thank God specifically for them in prayer.
   2. This exercise trains your heart to see God’s faithfulness and counters the “no” narrative.
5. Steward time and money — practical obedience
   1. Begin or re-open a simple budget: list income and basic expenses, start tithing if you are not already faithful (Malachi 3:10), and consider one way to reduce needless debt.
   2. Small, consistent steps in stewardship honor God and open doors for His provision.

Take these applications seriously. The greatest change begins with small, faithful choices. If you have never trusted Christ, this week stop saying no: repent and believe (Acts 3:19; Romans 10:9-10). If you are saved but distant, return to daily fellowship and service. Let this Christmas be not a “Christmas of No” but the season you learned to say “Yes” — to God’s presence, plan, and purposes.

Preacher — “The Christmas of No.”