Pastor Stephen Dedman

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.
‭‭Luke‬ ‭2‬:‭7‬

Question
Are you making room for Jesus in your life?

Context
Luke 2:7 sits within the story of Jesus’ birth during a Roman census that required Joseph and Mary to travel to Bethlehem. Because the town was overcrowded with travelers, there was no room in the inn, so Jesus was born in a humble setting and laid in a manger. Luke highlights the contrast between the world’s expectations and God’s way of working, showing that Jesus entered quietly and humbly, not in glory or comfort.

Application
As Christmas approaches, our schedules get busy and our minds race with preparations. Ironically, the season meant to center our hearts on Christ often becomes the season where it’s hardest to make room for Him.

When Jesus entered our world, there was no room for Him in the inn. The King of kings arrived quietly, humbly, and unnoticed by most. But those who did make room were the shepherds, Mary, Joseph, and the wise men, and their lives were forever changed. They saw what others missed: God stepping into human history to bring salvation, hope, and peace.

Today, as Christmas draws near, the question still stands: Is there room for Him in us? Making room doesn’t require perfection or performance. It simply requires a heart that pauses long enough to remember why Christmas matters.

Truth For The Day
Christmas isn’t just a date; it’s a declaration.

Pray
Lord, in this season of celebration, help me not to miss You. Teach me to make room for Your presence, Your peace, and Your voice. Thank You for sending Jesus, the greatest gift the world has ever known. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.
‭‭II Chronicles‬ ‭16‬:‭9‬

Question
Where do you need to trust that God is working, even when you don’t see it yet?

Context
The prophet Hanani confronted King Asa of Judah for relying on a political alliance with the king of Aram instead of trusting in the Lord. Earlier in his reign, Asa had depended on God and experienced miraculous victory, but in this moment he chose human strategy over divine help. Hanani tells Asa that God is always watching for hearts that are fully committed to Him. The verse highlights the contrast between God’s faithfulness and Asa’s misplaced confidence.

Application
As we move deeper into December, the days grow shorter, the nights grow longer, and our schedules grow busier. December often brings a mix of joy, pressure, and expectations. And in the middle of it all, it can feel like we’re doing a lot of moving… while not feeling much movement from God.

Today’s verse reminds us of a powerful truth: God sees you. More than that, He searches for you. His eyes range throughout the earth, not to watch for your failures, but to strengthen your heart. He is not distant, distracted, or preoccupied. He is attentive, active, and aware.

As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, we’re reminded that the heart of God has always been to draw near. The manger testifies that God does not forget His people. Christ came to prove, once and for all, that God remembers, God redeems, and God restores. The God who came in the quiet of Bethlehem comes to you today in strength, in grace, and in faithfulness.

Truth For The Day
God sees you, God knows you, and God strengthens you.

Pray
Lord, thank You for seeing me today. In this busy season, help me remember that You are near and that Your strength is available. Quiet my heart, lift my eyes, and remind me that You are faithful in every season. Strengthen me today as I commit my heart to You. In Jesus’ name, amen.

and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
‭‭Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬

Question
Where do you need God’s guarding peace to stand watch over you tomorrow?

Context
Paul reminds us that God’s peace guards us. The word he uses paints a picture of soldiers standing watch at a gate. In other words, God’s peace is not passive. It is active. It stands between your heart and anxiety. It stands between your mind and the lies that try to unsettle you. It stands between your spirit and the chaos that rises around you.

Application
Tomorrow brings its own responsibilities, pressures, and unknowns. But before you step into the day, God has already placed something over your life: His peace. Not a peace that comes from everything going right, but a peace that flows from relationship with Him.

And this peace is something the world cannot manufacture. It surpasses understanding, not because it’s confusing, but because it’s supernatural. Christ Himself is the source of it.

Truth For The Day
You can walk into tomorrow with confidence because God’s peace is already standing watch over your heart and mind.

Pray
Lord, as I enter a new day, let Your peace surround me like a shield. Guard my heart from fear and steady my mind with Your truth. Help me trust that You are near, You are faithful, and You are in control. Give me peace that goes beyond what I see, and let my life reflect Your presence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.