Read Luke 2:1-7

“And 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)

In the shadow of great empires and mighty rulers, the birth of Jesus Christ unfolded under circumstances that were anything but grand. It’s a beautiful account to us because we’ve read it and beautified it with western Christmas traditions. But the account itself is a paradox.

Jesus Christ, the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, who is Himself God, the express image of the Father, who upholds all things by the power of His Word, for the first moments of His incarnation was laying in a splintery feed trough! (How peculiar that His life would end laying on a splintery piece of wood — the cross.)

But in light of Christ’s mission — it reveals to us God’s plan all along — for He delights in humility, doesn’t He? Christ’s holy arrival, marked by unexpected twists and profound meekness, offers us a glimpse into the incredible way God's plans manifest.

First we must observe an unexpected journey. The decree of Caesar Augustus set Joseph and Mary on a challenging journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. This arduous trek, covering more than 80 miles on the short path, or up to 160 miles the long way around, was not just a physical journey but an adventure of faith.

Mary, in her final trimester, and Joseph, possibly without the means for comfortable travel, embarked on a path filled with potential dangers and discomforts. This journey alone is a testament, not only to their faith and resilience, but also a reminder that sometimes, our paths to God's plans are rugged and unpredictable.

If God should be most glorified in bringing forth His only begotten Son into the world through such dreadful circumstances, why do we falter and worry when we face similar trials? Yes, Beloved, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, for your Lord Jesus was born under such events!

“And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” (Romans 5:3–5)

Secondly, we must mark the unexpected location of our Lord's birth. Bethlehem, a small and seemingly insignificant town, rich in history yet modest in stature, was chosen as the birthplace of the King of Kings. This choice, while surprising to many, should have been no surprise at all, for it fulfilled the ancient prophecy from Micah 5:2.

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, Though you are little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of you shall come forth to Me The One to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth are from of old, From everlasting.” (Micah 5:2)

God's ways often upturn our expectations, reminding us that significance in His kingdom isn't measured by worldly standards. God tears down the mighty, and lifts up the humble!

Thirdly, we cannot miss the unexpected timing of Christ's birth. Amidst the chaos of registration, crowded streets, and the absence of familiar comforts, Mary's time came to give birth. The timing couldn't have seemed more inopportune.

“Now, Lord? Here? Why, of all times, to deliver the Son of the Highest?”* *

Yet, Beloved, does this not reflect the often unexpected nature of God's timing in our lives? You can plan. You can build. You can prepare. But at the end of the day, God’s timing is what will always win, and it’s rarely when we expect it. But if we’re willing to submit our will and trust His timing, we will see God do exceedingly above all that we could ask or think.

“A man’s heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9)

Finally, who can ignore the unexpected birth place? The Son of God was born in a stable, not in the warmth of a home or the prestige of a palace. Laid in a feed trough, surrounded by animals, Jesus' entrance into the world was marked by simplicity and humility, far from human expectations of royalty.

The first cry of Jesus in that humble stable was a sound of hope and salvation. It was a cry that echoed the heart of God — a Savior not just born to Mary, but to all humanity.

As we celebrate this Christmas, we are reminded that God's glory can shine brightest in the simplest of places! Beloved, let us embrace the unexpected paths God might lead us on, knowing that each step is part of a grander narrative He is weaving. Just like Mary and Joseph, our journeys, however unexpected or humble, are graced with His presence and purpose!

Most of all — putting ourselves aside as we ought to — let us gaze upon this account with awe and reverence, for it is not just the story of the Savior’s birth, but the story of how we would be saved from our sins and brought near to God. Jesus’ birth preaches the Gospel loud!  

Merry Christmas!

"For unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6)