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
What might be crowding Jesus out of your heart or schedule this season?

Context
Luke records the details of Jesus’ birth. No room, no welcome, no recognition, yet this was the moment God chose to enter the world. The absence of space did not prevent the arrival of salvation. God’s purposes are never hindered by human inconvenience.

Application
The manger reminds us that love often comes quietly and unexpectedly. Though there was no room for Jesus in the inn, God still made a way. The question of Christmas is not whether Christ has come but whether we have made room for Him. In the busyness and pressure of the season, it is easy for our hearts to become crowded. Yet Jesus is still willing to enter the humblest spaces we offer Him.

Slow down today and intentionally make room for Christ. Create space through prayer, worship, and obedience. When we clear space for Jesus, His presence brings peace, purpose, and renewal.

Truth For The Day
There is always room for Jesus in a willing heart.

Pray
Lord, forgive me for the times I’ve been too busy to notice You. Help me make room for You in my heart, my home, and my daily life. Prepare me to welcome You with humility and joy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become rich.
‭‭II Corinthians‬ ‭8‬:‭9‬

Question
What might God be calling you to lay down this season so that others may experience His love?

Context
Paul reminds the church at Corinth that the gospel is the ultimate picture of generosity. Jesus willingly laid aside the riches of heaven to enter our broken world. This verse captures the heart of Christmas, not accumulation, but incarnation; not comfort, but sacrifice.

Application
The manger tells the story of divine love expressed through humility. Jesus did not come surrounded by wealth or power, but wrapped in swaddling cloths. His poverty was purposeful. He stepped into our lack so that we might receive the riches of grace, forgiveness, and new life. As Christmas approaches, we are reminded that God’s love is costly and that cost was joyfully paid for us.

Ask God to help you live generously today, not just with resources, but with grace, patience, and compassion. When we give ourselves away in love, we reflect the heart of Christ.

Truth For The Day
Jesus became poor so we could become rich in God.

Pray
Lord, thank You for humbling Yourself for my sake. Teach me to value what You value and to live with open hands and a grateful heart as I prepare to celebrate Your birth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons.
‭‭Galatians‬ ‭4‬:‭4‬-‭5‬

Question
How does knowing you are fully loved and adopted by God change the way you approach this season?

Context
Paul’s words in Galatians remind us that Christmas was not accidental or rushed. God’s love unfolded at the perfect moment in history. The phrase “when the fullness of time had fully come” points to God’s sovereign plan over centuries of promises. Advent invites us to pause and recognize that love arrived right on time, exactly when the world needed it most.

Application
Love is seen in God’s initiative. We did not climb our way up to Him; He came down to us. God sent His Son, fully divine and fully human, to enter our condition and redeem us from it. The manger points forward to the mission: redemption and adoption. Jesus came to forgive sins and to bring us into a united family. At Christmas, love took on flesh so that we could receive a new name: sons and daughters of God.

As we enter into this fourth Sunday of Advent, we are reminded that we are not just forgiven, we are adopted. This truth reshapes how we live. We no longer strive to earn God’s approval, we live from His acceptance. In a season often marked by pressure and performance, Advent love invites us to rest in belonging and extend that same grace to others.

Truth For The Day
God’s love sent His Son at the perfect time to make us part of His family.

Pray
Lord, thank You for sending Your Son at just the right time. Thank You that through Jesus we are redeemed and adopted as Your children. As we prepare our hearts for Christmas, help us to rest in Your love and reflect it to those around us. We receive this gift with gratitude and joy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.