Simply Christmas a Five-Day Reading Plan to Reclaim the Peace of the Holidays by Tama FortnerSample

Not Part of the Plan

Scripture: Micah 5:2; Luke 2:1-7; Philippians 4:19

Life was already very different from the way Mary had expected it to be. As a young, soon-to-be new mother, she surely must have hoped to have her baby amid the familiar comforts of home. But a decree from a faraway Roman emperor changed that too. With no choice but to comply, she and Joseph departed for Bethlehem, destined for a stranger’s stable.

It may not have been what Mary hoped for, but it was what the Lord had foretold (Micah 5:2). And so the Son of God came to be born in Bethlehem.

Sometimes—especially, it seems, around the holiday season—we find ourselves at the mercy of things beyond our control. Our plans are changed by sickness, by storm, and by circumstances, and we have no choice but to comply. Instead of stressing over what was supposed to be, stop and consider what could be.

Is it possible that this disruption to our carefully laid plans is part of God’s greater plan? Could He use this sickness, this storm, this circumstance to work in our lives, in the lives of our loved ones, for a much greater good?

After all, Bethlehem may not have been part of Mary’s “before the angel came and changed everything” plan, but it was part of God’s perfect plan.

Lord, when my own plans are changed, help me to trust in Your perfect plan. Amen.

Reclaiming Christmas

For years, my children sprinkled raw oats mixed with a bit of glitter across the front lawn at Christmas. It served both as shimmering landing lights and a tasty snack for Santa’s reindeer. It was one of my favorite traditions. That is until I realized it was no longer one of theirs. Traditions can be beautiful and the source of sweet memories. They can also strangle the joy out of celebrations if they’ve been outgrown, are accompanied by too many eye rolls, or become more stressful than rewarding. This year, take stock of your family’s traditions. Which ones are loved and important? Which ones need a bit of renewing and refreshing? And which ones need to be kicked to the curb?