No Room for Sin: The Connection Between Christmas and Repentance
Christmas Without Repentance Is Just a Sentiment
Christmas is one of the most celebrated seasons in the world. Lights, carols, food, family, nostalgia. But Scripture confronts us with a sobering truth: the first Christmas was not sentimental—it was confrontational.
Jesus did not come merely to decorate our lives; He came to disrupt our sin, call us to repentance, and redeem us by His blood. If Christmas does not lead us to repentance, we have misunderstood it.
The manger points to the cross.
The incarnation demands a response.
And the arrival of the King calls for repentance.
Introduction: When Heaven Knocked on Earth’s Door
Christmas is one of the most loved seasons in our culture. Lights sparkle, songs echo through shopping centres, and sentiment fills the air. Yet Luke tells us something deeply unsettling about the very first Christmas:
“She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.” (Luke 2:7, NLT)
The Son of God came to His own world—and there was no room. Not in the inn. Not in the systems of power. Not in the hearts of many.
And that, dear friends, is not just a Christmas detail. It is a discipleship issue. Christmas confronts us with a question that repentance alone can answer: Will I make room for Jesus, or will I cling to my sin?
Christmas and repentance are inseparably linked. You cannot truly celebrate the cradle without bowing at the cross. You cannot welcome the Saviour unless you are willing to turn from sin. This morning, I want us to see that Christmas is not merely about God coming near—it is about God calling us to turn around.
Luke 2:7 — No Room at the Inn, No Room for Sin
“She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.” (Luke 2:7, NLT)
Bethlehem was crowded because of the Roman census. Inns were not luxury hotels but basic guest rooms. The phrase “no lodging available” suggests exclusion, not cruelty. There was space—but not priority.
Theologically, Luke is showing us something profound: the King of Heaven enters the world in humility because human hearts are already full.
Jesus is laid in a manger—an animal feeding trough—because the world had no room for Him. This is not accidental; it is prophetic. From birth to crucifixion, Jesus is rejected by a world that will not repent.
In the 21st century, we are not short of space—we are short of surrender. Our calendars are full. Our minds are cluttered. Our hearts are occupied by sin we excuse, habits we justify, and idols we protect.
Repentance means making room. You cannot enthrone Christ while entertaining sin.
Max Lucado wrote: “The Bethlehem sky was not filled with fireworks; it was filled with angels proclaiming peace to those who would receive it.”
Peace was proclaimed—but only received by those willing to respond. Christmas peace is not automatic; it comes to repentant hearts that receive the King.
Matthew 3:2 — Repent, for the Kingdom Is Near
“‘Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.’” (Matthew 3:2, NLT)
The Greek word for repent is metanoeo, meaning to change one’s mind, resulting in a changed direction. This is not mere remorse—it is transformation.
John the Baptist prepares the way for Jesus not with sentimentality, but with a summons to repentance. Why? Because you cannot receive the King without submitting to His Kingdom.
Notice the timing: repentance is preached because the Kingdom is near. Christmas is not just an arrival; it is an invasion. God’s reign breaks into human history, demanding response.
Application for Disciples
Discipleship begins where repentance continues. To follow Jesus daily means continually turning away from sin and towards obedience.
Tim Keller said: “Repentance is not just the way into the Christian life, it is the Christian life.”
Christmas calls us not only to start with repentance, but to live repentantly—daily reshaping our lives around Christ.
Mark 1:15 — The Gospel Call
“‘The time promised by God has come at last!’ he announced. ‘The Kingdom of God is near! Repent of your sins and believe the Good News!’” (Mark 1:15, NLT)
Jesus’ first sermon links repentance and faith. You turn from sin and turn to the Saviour. Christmas joy without repentance becomes shallow cheerfulness. True joy flows from forgiven hearts.
Imagine trying to fill a cup already full of dirty water. The clean water must wait until the old is poured out. Repentance empties us so grace can fill us.
John Piper wrote: “The gospel is not a help-wanted sign; it is a help-available announcement.”
Christmas is not God asking for assistance—it is God offering salvation, to those who will repent and believe.
Isaiah 1:18 — Cleansed by Grace
“‘Though your sins are like scarlet, I will make them as white as snow.’” (Isaiah 1:18, NLT)
The Hebrew imagery contrasts scarlet (deeply embedded stain) with white as snow—a divine act of cleansing. Christmas declares that God does not merely overlook sin; He removes it.
Repentance is not about shame—it is about hope. Christ came because sin was real, but grace is greater.
John 1:14 — God Moved In
“So the Word became human and made his home among us.” (John 1:14, NLT)
The phrase “made His home” literally means “tabernacled”. God pitched His tent among sinful people to redeem them.
But He will not share that tent with cherished sin.
R.T. Kendall said: “God’s forgiveness flows freely, but it never flows cheaply.”
Christmas cost heaven everything. Repentance honours the cost of grace.
Gospel Presentation: From the Manger to the Cross
Jesus was born to die. The wood of the manger points to the wood of the cross. At Calvary, He took our sin upon Himself. He was buried. On the third day, He rose again—victorious over sin, death, and hell.
This is the Gospel: Christ died for our sins, was buried, and rose again, so that all who repent and believe might be saved.
Call to Action: Make Room for the King
Dear friends, discipleship demands response.
For believers:
Is there sin that has crowded Christ out?
Is there obedience delayed, repentance postponed?
For seekers:
Today, turn from sin.
Trust in Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord.
Pray, surrender, believe. Make room.
Invitation to Salvation
If you have never trusted Christ, I invite you—right now—to repent and believe. Turn from sin. Receive the Saviour. Let Christmas become your new beginning.
Conclusion & Benediction:
Christmas is God’s gracious knock on the door of the human heart. Repentance is opening that door.
“Look! I stand at the door and knock.” (Revelation 3:20, NLT)
May you make room for Jesus—not just at Christmas, but every day. And may the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ fill your life with forgiveness, freedom, and joy.
Amen.
