“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” – Isaiah 7:14
“All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet; ‘The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel’ – which means, God with us.” – Matthew 1:22,23
“But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from old, from ancient days.” – Micah 5:2
“And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David…and while they were there, the time came for her to give birth.” – Luke 2:3-4,6
The Christmas story reveals that God is a God with a plan. He is the Author and Architect of the plan for our deliverance from evil and our reconciliation with Him! Christmas was in the works from the time of Creation. For thousands of years God unveiled His plan through the prophets. He did not want us to miss it. He did not want there to be any doubt about His presence or His intention. Since the beginning God has had a plan and that plan was realized in the birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus!
Every detail. The circumstances of His birth and the background of His parents were all orchestrated by the Master Designer. Even the town of Bethlehem chosen. Wait a minute. Mary and Joseph were living in Nazareth just weeks before she was due to have this child. But God knew what He was doing and the next thing we know an unforeseen trip, a crowded Inn and a manger for a crib…God shows up…according to plan…right on time…just like He said He would. The Author and Finisher of our salvation.
The Christmas story reveals to us that God has a plan and He fulfills it. This should also remind us that this God who planned the birth of Jesus in such detail also has a plan for each of us. David says;
“My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was knit together in my mother’s womb your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be.” – Psalm 139:15,16
It was no accident that Jesus was born in a stable in Bethlehem. Likewise, it is no accident that you are where you are today. God knows where you are and He has created you for this moment. Just as certain as it was for Jesus to be born in Bethlehem on that night, it is for you to be reconciled to God through faith in Him. Have you opened the manger of your heart to Him today.