A crystal cross hangs near the top of my family’s Christmas tree. It’s a reminder of the reason for the Christ child’s birth. Redemption. For as much as I love Christmas, I’m amazed at how there is little I can be certain of from year to year. Between our news feeds, and the ups and downs of our hopes and dreams, it may be tempting to keep our expectations low. But the reason for the season is also the reason for great certainty.

God always has a plan. Over 2000 years ago, His plan included Joseph and his fiancée Mary. You may know the story. The young couple came from Nazareth to Bethlehem for a census. (Luke 2:1-7) But the time came for Mary to give birth to her immaculately conceived child. And yet, all they could find were “no vacancy” signs. Granted, their situation was unique. But hiccups happen in our plans too. From gatherings to gift buying, what we have in mind may end up different than what we expect. Is there something you’re counting on this Christmas?

Maybe you’re hoping for some time off work.

Perhaps you have travel plans or guests are traveling to spend time with you.

Some people are hoping to have a simple celebration.

And yet, others are busy preparing for festivities that no one will forget.

But for Mary and Joseph, what may have felt like a complication was really God’s invitation for them to experience His plan.

Perhaps a detail in their story grips your attention the way the census grips mine. The Roman emperor, Augustus, wanted to inventory the number of people in his kingdom. (Luke 2:1) But God had already taken inventory of every human heart. He knew we needed a Savior.

The Bethlehem trip was His time to be born. With no lodging available, an animal-filled stable was a makeshift maternity ward. But with each contraction of Mary’s womb, each prophecy about the Messiah was on its way to being fulfilled. Every promise of God shouted “Yes!” as Jesus was coming to save us (2 Corinthians 1:19-20). With these words, an angel made the birth announcement to a group of unsuspecting shepherds.

“Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger” (Luke 2:10-12).

We can still recognize Jesus. He is no longer a baby in a manger. He lived a sinless life, died for our sins, and then rose from the dead. Now we can stand in His grace. God no longer counts our sins against us as we receive Christ’s salvation. (2 Corinthians 5:19-21) There’s something to be sure of. And in the difficult places of our lives, we can learn to count it all joy as we learn to trust Him. (James 1:2-4)

Because just like the first Christmas, God’s glory still appears. But how He chooses to display His glory may not happen from the hotel of our thinking. God’s plan often occurs in the messy manger of our circumstances.

Hence, the Advent season is more than a countdown to celebrate the birth of Jesus. Traditionally, each Sunday of the season has a focus —like hope, peace, joy, or love. The Advent also points us to remember Jesus is coming again. (Matthew 24:23-31) There’s something else we can be sure of. May we each experience Him in the ways we need Him the most.

Suggested Prayer: Dear God, thank You for Jesus, the Christ child who is also the Savior and Lord. Through faith in Christ, help me to know Your unfailing love. Help me to rest in Your precious promises. When I face uncertainty, I can always be sure that You are in control. During this Advent Season, may I be encouraged because even a complication can turn into an invitation for me to experience Your plan. Thank You for how You will display Your glory in my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.