King of Kings: An Advent Plan by New Life ChurchSample

SECTION THREE: JESUS’ BIRTH AND THE WORLD’S RESPONSE

Jesus’ birth had been prophesied for hundreds of years of Israelite history. It’s something you would expect parades for. Have you seen how people react when a well-known leader or public figure has a child? Hashtags and videos are created, photos and articles document the occasion, crowds wave flags and hold up signs of congratulations. Yet the exalted Savior comes quietly, not just in a humble place but in a place that really isn’t fit for people at all. Without a vacant space to be found in the inn, Joseph and Mary brought the Savior into the world within a stable.

So often we think that the promises of God come to us by ease and prosperity. But Joseph and Mary obeyed every part of the Lord’s instruction about parenting Jesus and still faced a difficult journey to Bethlehem. They had to abide by the decrees of an oppressive government as they registered for the census. Then the Savior was born in a stable and laid in a manger as His first bed. 

Don’t mistake difficult circumstances as a lack of God’s purpose or presence in your life. His plans are not hindered by hardship—believe that His love is with you, even when it meets you in the stable because the inn is full. Know that the Lord has powerful plans for your life, no matter what your season may look like!

Prayer: Jesus, thank You for coming to us, for bringing heaven’s love to the earth and living among us. You entered our vulnerability and hardship so we could learn how to walk in our Father’s purpose through all circumstances of life. Give us grace and faith to follow You in every moment of our lives! In Your Name I pray, amen.