Christmas is generally a very happy and festive season of the year as we celebrate the birth of the Son of God—the Savoir of the world! But today I want us to examine what I am convinced is the saddest verse in the Bible describing the conditions surrounding Jesus’ birth. Let’s put the verse in its context. Luke graphically described the birth of the Savior when he wrote, “…it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city. Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.” (Luke 2:1-5, NKJV). What a wonderful story! Caesar Augustus, no doubt, thought ordering the census to be taken was his own brilliant idea—to be sure that everyone was paying taxes to the Roman government. Little did he know that behind-the-scenes God had ordered the census to get Joseph and Mary to the right place at the right time for the birth of His Son! Luke wrote, “So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered.” (Luke 2:6, NKJV). God has orchestrated all of human history to prepare for every detail of the life, death, resurrection, ascension, and return of His Son. As a result of travelers arriving at Bethlehem to register in the census, all the local inns were filled to capacity. Thus, Luke wrote this very sad yet enlightening verse, “…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, NKJV). It’s sad because this verse reveals that nobody recognized the momentous occasion that was about to occur, therefore “there was no room for them.” It’s enlightening because this verse reveals that Jesus would not force His way into any place where “there was no room” for Him.