Christmas Plans—Part 2

Today is Part 2 of a four-part series on the response to the news of the birth of Jesus. Posts will publish Tuesdays and Thursdays before Christmas.

Change in Plans

Things are going along just fine. Then the news hits like a brick and everything changes. Excitement turns to dismay. Could it possibly be true? Just quietly handle it in a respectful way and move on.

Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly (Matthew 1:19, NASB).

That dream. So vivid. So clear on what to do. An angel of the Lord speaking. God’s Word comes, alive.

But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:20).

In the morning light, the previous day’s plans fall away. God’s plans are clear. A new future presents itself.

When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife. But he did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus (Matthew 1:24-25).

What do you do when God changes your plans? Do you quietly remove yourself from what appears to be a messy situation or listen to God’s Word and what he is calling you to do? Listen to God’s Word. Hear what he has to say. Seek Him and follow His lead. Trust Him.

All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). (Matthew 1:22)

Christmas Plans–Part 3