Prepare Him Room

In the story of Jesus’ birth, we’re told that he was born in a stable because there was no room at the inn. The Bible doesn’t actually mention an innkeeper, but the poor guy gets a pretty bad wrap for someone we’re not even sure existed because of this. Yet, it didn’t end there, Jesus often found that people didn’t have room for Him. The Jewish leaders didn’t have room for Jesus, neither did King Herod or the Romans, they all saw Him as a threat or problem. Most of the people didn’t have room for Jesus either because He wasn’t what they expected or wanted Him to be. Today many people still don’t have room for Jesus because inviting him into their lives and hearts would mean real change. Yet despite all of our reservations, the great Christmas carol Joy to the World proclaims, “Let every heart prepare Him room.” So can we make room? Are we too busy? Too afraid? Too proud? Are we closed to Jesus or can we make room for Him and all He wants to bring to and do in us?

The Bethlehem Star just appeared in the sky on December 21st and it reminds us of that story that we’re going to look at this morning, of those Wise Men so long ago who made such an amazing journey to find Jesus!

Today we will wrap things up with the story of the Wise Men or Magi and a focus on making room for Jesus, not just at Christmas time, but making room for him, or more room for him, as we seek to live our lives of faith each day!

Most modern translations now use the actual Greek word, which is “Magi.”

Our God has said we can come directly to Him! We don’t have to rely on lesser things.

But these Magi were different because although they were using the stars as a road map, they were clearly looking for something more.

Despite all the obstacles they would encounter, they made room for this amazing journey.

The nativity scene is really more of a tradition than it is accurate in regard to when they arrived. When the Magi arrive in Jerusalem, v. 2 they announced that they’re searching for a child who has been “born king of the Jews,” whose birth was announced by “his star,” and that they’ve come to “worship Him.”

V. 3 says that Herod, the king over Israel at that time, was “disturbed” by the news of the Magi and the whole city along with him. And it’s not hard to see why, no King wanted to find that they had a rival to their throne.

Herod had no room for Jesus and he was not someone who you wanted to get on the bad side of!

And although we can understand that fear was partly the motivator here, the people had no room for Jesus either.

The chief priests and teachers of the law had no room for Jesus either.

After meeting with Herod, v. 9-10 says the star led the Magi to the place Jesus was, Bethlehem, and they were “overjoyed.” And finally, when they get to the house where Jesus was, they bow down and worship Him and give Him “gifts” in v. 11.

We can see that the Magi continued to make room in their hearts and lives when they left. Because in v. 12, we’re told that as they went, they were no longer guided by a star, but by God! They didn’t return to Herod as he’d ordered them to because God warned them not to in a dream.

These wise men sought after Jesus and made room for him in their hearts and lives and today wise men and women still do! And as they do, Jesus continues to work in their hearts and lives to grow and transforming them more and more into the people God made and called them to be!

If we continue to trust in Jesus and make room for Him in our hearts and lives He’ll continue to work in us, to complete all that God wants to do in us!

We need to remember that what actually made their gifts meaningful was that they had already made room for Jesus in their hearts! You see there’s nothing that God needs. He has limitless power. But what He wants is you!

The question is; will we invite Him into our hearts and lives and make room for Him to stay? And if we do, will we just give Him a little space in the corner or will we seek to give what He truly wants, which is all of us, our whole hearts, and our whole lives!

May we do the same, may we invite Jesus into our hearts and lives and make room for Him, and then each day may we seek to make more room for Him until our whole hearts and our whole lives are completely in His hands.

Today's Music
Orchard's Streaming and Song Select CCLI# 160190

Worship Options

We are excited to be able to worship under the Tent together. If you are not wanting to be under the Tent, feel free to sit in the front row of parking spots of the Orchard Parking Lot your car and tune your radio to 100.1 FM to listen to the service.

1. Masks must be worn while on the Orchard Campus (both inside and out)
2. Please maintain the Social Distance
3. Sunday Morning Children's program. Children are always welcome in the service and we do not mind the noises that come with children. Children are a healthy sign of a healthy congregation.

Orchard Kids Sunday School (For preschool through 5th grade)
We encourage families to bring your own blanket and beach chairs and distance on the lawn as much as you like. Children will worship with their families and be dismissed following the kids’ message, escorted by our Orchard Kids’ Leaders to our beautiful outdoor classroom space in the children’s play yard. We will have our Bible story, activities, crafts, and games in a specially designed format following current health and safety guidelines. Parents, please come to the children’s area immediately following the worship service and find all of your children in one place. Each family will receive a “My Church Bag” to be brought each week with basic supplies already included plus items from home: water bottle and mask for each child and a blanket for all siblings. Our team is so excited to see your family! See you Sunday!

Nursery care for children birth to 3 years old is available by RSVP only to Melinda Hoyt at melinda@orchardventura.org.

Interested in being a Volunteer? Middle school through adult, please contact Melinda Hoyt at melinda@orchardventura.org.

While we understand that some may not feel comfortable coming back in person or having to wear masks while on the Orchard campus, we encourage you to stay home and join us online with our Live Stream.

Office Hours
Monday – Thursdays from 10 am to noon.
Masks and social distancing are required.
If you are unable to make it in during our office hours, please send an email to info@orchardventura.org and or leave a message at (805) 647-3757.