THE MOST HEARTBREAKING WORDS IN THE HISTORY OF CHRISTMAS EVE ARE "THERE WAS NO ROOM FOR THEM IN THE INN."

1. Christmas today has a lot of heartbreaks - our people are worried and troubled - energy crisis
2. The original Christmas had more heartbreak than we have ever experienced- still Angels sang
3. We need to look into our attitudes, and find the Christmas Joy that came in ancient day.

For the Message of the Christ Child is a bright star in the midst of a cold, dark night.

I.- THE FIRST CHRISTMAS EVE Luke 2:1-7

So many centuries ago that men have lost count, Christ was born of Virgin Mary- 4-5 BC

A.- THOSE WERE TERRIBLE TIMES IN WHICH TO LIVE IN EVEN THE LAND OF PROMISE, ISRAEL! V.-1-3

1. A great empire had expanded its borders beyond Palestine, and a cruel Caesar ruled from afar
2. A puppet King in Syria was taxed by Rome, and he passed the burden on, adding his own weight
3. With cruel mercenaries, Soldiers from afar, he forced his tax down the line- lowest man touched hardest

B.- IT CAME TO MARY AND JOSEPH IN THE MOST TERRIBLE TIME FOR THEM TO HAVE TO TRAVEL v. 4-6

1. Israel used an "Enrollment" type of Tax, and every man had to return to the place of his Father
2. Joseph was living in Nazareth -trying to work out a tough problem concerning his espoused wife
3. Mary was great with child- difficult to travel- but THEY WERE FORCED TO GO!  Foolish journey!

C.- THE BABY WAS BORN IN A TERRIBLE PLACE, AN ENCLOSED CAVE UNDER THE INN, A STABLE! v. 7

1. When Mary and Joseph arrived in Bethlehem- crowded, no friends, and NO ROOM FOR THEM IN THE INN
2. In a cave stable, under the inn, the King of All Glory was incarnate - born of Virgin Mary
3. The only crib was the manger (place where cattle were fed), Animals looked on at his birth!

John 1:11 "He came unto His own, but His own received Him not!" - no room for Him in their homes

II. THE INN, A SYMBOL O F OUR HEARTS!

Our hearts are like the Inn- many rooms, rooms for every kind of purpose, BUT ALL TOO FULL

A.- OUR HEARTS TODAY ARE FULL OF THINGS WE THINK ARE IMPORTANT, A WORLD TO SEE AND TO KNOW!

1. We have room for fun, and play - When young it is toys, dolls;, when older more sophisticated
2. We have room for education, recreation, Colleges full, every learning; Sports -
3. Room for Romance and Marriage- Very important, hearts full, Puppy love, no time for anything
4. Room for Business and Work- Some find all consuming drive in their job- their whole life
5. Room for Government and griping- Some try to run things, & some complain enough to solve crises

B.- BUT WITH ALL THESE THINGS MAKING DEMANDS UPON US FOR TIME, WE HAVE NO ROOM FOR JESUS!

God knows we have need for all these things -Matt 6:31-33

 C.- SOME OF YOU, IF YOU WERE HONEST, WOULD ADMIT THAT YOU HATE CHRISTMAS, & HATE PEOPLE WITH JOY

1. Some remember disappointments in false hopes in the past- "No cap pistol- only an orange"
2. Some see people pushing for things- but trampling other people - and you have been trampled!
3. Some give gifts they can't afford- & fear rejection!  No appreciation-so husband quit giving-

Troubles fill this time- Our Christmas seasons have more suicides than any other week in year! 

III.- CAN WE CHANGE GLOOM TO JOY AT CHRISTMAS??

Men are different- we have different views, but whatever your view- will you let Jesus in?

A.- SOME SEE THE TROUBLES OF OUR AGE AS THE JUDGEMENT OF GOD UPON OUR NATION- CHRISTMAS SEASON TOO

1. Since WWII we have been Hell-bent for Sin! We need O'leary's cow to kick over lantern- Chicago
2. If you feel this- Seek the Lord in Repentance - get to this altar, clean up your life, Let Christ reign supreme

B.- SOME SAY "ALL WE HAVE TO DO IS TO THINK POSITIVELY" AND ALL WILL COME OUT FOR GOOD!

1. When good men quit being "hoodwinked" and frightened by circumstances-truly we will find way
2. But what are you doing?- Have you Confessed the Lord, put your faith in Him, His Sovereignty?

C.- SOME SAY OUR RUIN WILL LEAD TO REVIVAL, OR 2nd COMING, SO THE WORSE WE ARE, SOONER SAVED!

1. A bill passed Senate- Hatfield- calling for a day of repentance, prayer, seeking God!
2. You don't have to wait- If the Lord tarries - only a Heaven-sent Revival can Save our Nation

D.- SOME SAY "LET'S GET INVOLVED", AND DO SOMETHING ABOUT THE MESS WE ARE IN TODAY!

1. We need Christians in every area- seek the area you are interested in, called to, and get busy
2. We need Redeemed people taking the Biblical Morality as a light into Public issues- impact

These four ways of thinking are typical of what men believe as they see their nation crumble

WHAT DO YOU SAY ABOUT THIS CHRISTMAS SEASON?  WHAT DOES IT REALLY MEAN TO YOU?  PUT CHRIST FIRST!

1. If you have just been playing at Christmas- let Him be born in your heart today!
2. If you have just been playing at being a Christian- let Him into every part of heart today!
3. Your efforts might save your church, your city, your state, or nation- but surely yourself!