A Change of Plans

Daily Gratitude Year 7- Day 355: Today, I am grateful for a change of plans.

How many plans do we make for the holidays? Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years are full of scheduling woes and wonders. We wonder how it will all get done! Most of it does get finished, and what doesn't, often is not all that important in the big picture. 

The struggle is real. I, too, ride the struggle bus at times. I lose focus. I forget what really matters. My prayer for this season is for His light to burn bright, so that I don't miss the "God appointments". 

The people He sends our way and those unplanned  meetings are the most important events of the Christmas season... and we don't even have them on our calendars. 

The Isaiah prophecy of the virgin birth must have sounded ridiculous to many who learned the scriptures out of religious obligation, expectation and duty. The time between the prophecy and it coming to fruition was long. "Come thou long expected Jesus" is an old hymn. He was expected, but still - they were taken by surprise. 

Mary was planning a wedding to Joseph. Joseph was preparing their home before taking her as his bride. Betrothal was more serious than engagement. It was pretty much a sealed deal. It began a waiting period that would end when the Bridegroom would coming for his Bride. Mary and Joseph's plans were interrupted when they were was chosen. 

"All right then, the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’)." -Isaiah 7:14

Mary was not looking for the job of raising the Messiah. Joseph didn't sign up to be a father to a holy child. Jesus was not his biological son, but Joseph modeled the beauty of adoption, so we might understand that adopted means chosen, not unwanted. 

People were watching, talking and probably found them gossip worthy. Times haven't changed that much. 

Mary and Joseph paused to reflect on the miracle. They opened their hearts and their home to receive the gift of the Christ child. They allowed God to direct their paths. They offered their lives as a living sacrifice, so that The Word could become flesh. 

I am grateful that they did not hold on too tightly to their own wants and desires. They let the Spirit direct them to a town... an inn... a stable... and a manger. 

Let heaven and nature sing about the miracle that arrived... and a change of plans. 

Today, I am grateful for a change of plans.