Following Jesus Through the First Christmas: 25 Days of Advent TruthsSample

Before we reach these verses, remember what Mary and Joseph had already walked through—the angel visits, the long journey to Bethlehem, the birth of Jesus, and then fleeing to Egypt for safety.

They had trusted God through every moment of uncertainty.

So when the danger finally passed and they were told it was safe to return, they likely hoped to go back to Bethlehem.

But instead, God led them somewhere unexpected—to Nazareth, a small, overlooked town far from what anyone imagined for the family of the Messiah.

That’s often how God works. He will redirect us too—not to disappoint us, but to protect us and to position us for something greater. Nazareth may have seemed insignificant, but it was exactly where prophecy would be fulfilled and where Jesus would grow in wisdom and stature.

God’s leading doesn’t always make sense in the moment, but obedience is never wasted. Obedience draws us closer to His heart and positions us for the life He knows is best for us.

Following Jesus often means releasing the life we imagined to embrace the one He’s calling us into.

We all carry ideas about how life should go—where we’ll live, what we’ll do, who we’ll become—but God’s plans reach far beyond our own.

His redirection might not feel easy, but it’s always worth it.

His wisdom is greater, His timing is perfect, and His purpose is always good.

Pray:

God, help me trust Your direction even when it’s different from what I expected. Teach me to release my plans and rest in Yours. Give me faith to follow where You lead, knowing that Your way is always good. Amen.

Talk About It:

Is there an area in my life where God may be redirecting me — and am I willing to trust Him even if it’s not what I expected or thought I wanted?

Worship:

Take a few minutes today to sit with this truth in song. Listen to Give Me Jesus by UPPERROOM. Search for Following Jesus Through the First Christmas on Spotify by Biltmore Church for the full playlist.