by Victoria Heinecke

The best gift, at the best time.

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

As a musician, I’ve learned that Christmas plans don’t always get done when I want. The extra singing engagements take time from shopping, sending cards, and baking cookies. If some things aren’t finished before December, there’s a good chance they’ll be done after Christmas, or perhaps not at all.

It’s not the timing I want to have, but sometimes it is what it is.

The coming of the Messiah might cause us to ponder God’s timing. Jesus was foretold first to Adam and Eve as the one who would crush Satan (Genesis 3:15). Isaiah wrote that God’s son would reign over the nations (Isaiah 9:6, Psalm 2). He would be called Immanuel – God With Us (Isaiah 7:14).

It sounds so magnificent! Surely, wouldn’t God accompany his Son’s birth with a grand fanfare? A big reveal to the world?

“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born…”
Luke 2:6 New International Version (NIV)

Mary was at the end of her pregnancy, but she and Joseph had to travel by foot to Bethlehem to register for a census of the Roman Empire. The walk, over hilly terrain, might have taken a week.

“…and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.“
Luke 2:7 NIV

He was born in a room where animals were kept. And where did God announce “the big reveal?” He sent an angel to shepherds, who were among the least significant people in ancient Jewish society.

“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.’”
Luke 2:13-14 NIV

It is… what it isn’t.

God sent his Son, Immanuel, to save all humanity from their sins. Jesus’ birth rocked the world and changed it forever, and God didn’t need a fanfare to announce it.

Today, in the midst of your Christmas preparations, remember that Immanuel is God With You. You are so precious to God. Believe it. Let it rock your world today.

The best plans for Christmas – and for you – are the ones God already made.

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado