What Is This? Embracing the Gifts You Didn't Ask ForSample

Just like Joseph’s disappointment almost kept him from receiving God’s gift, our busy schedules can distract us from the things God longs to give us. 

The Bible says in John 1:14, “The Word became a human being and lived here with us.” 

God sent His Son to live among us, and yet people still missed Him. 

They had no room in their inns for Him just like we have no room in our calendar for Him, and because He didn’t show up in their lives like they imagined, many missed Him altogether. 

We expect God to find us and bless us, but the wise men who came to meet Jesus as a baby can show us a better way to approach God this Christmas. 

The wise men embraced the inconvenience of traveling thousands of miles to meet Jesus, and even though the world was looking for a warrior, the wise men chose to welcome the unexpected gift of a baby. 

They didn’t demand that Jesus perform some miracle to prove who He was before offering their worship, and they didn’t show up and ask what Jesus could do for them. 

They understood that who He was mattered more than what He could do for them. 

Isaiah 9:6 says, “For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will be on His shoulders. He will be named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.” 

Even if God didn’t change certain situations in your life this year, the magic of Christmas is that who He is actually changes everything. 

In the chaos, He is peace. 

In the confusion, He is wisdom.  

In the darkness, He is light.

In the hard, He is hope.

Don’t let your busy schedule keep you from experiencing the greatest gift this Christmas. Take a break from the worries that accompanied this year and worship the God who was with you through it all.