Unwrapping Christmas - Viewing the Nativity Through Luke's EyesSample

Day 18

And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed...And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem...  Luke 2:1, 4

If there ever was a good thing about the subject of paying taxes, this portion of the Christmas story would be it. Here, we discover a couple of important lessons. One, the Lord can use the negative situations thrust upon our lives to bring about indescribable good, and two, God is more than able to position us where we need to be.

Under the seeming whim of an oppressive government, God moves Joseph and Mary into the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy (Micah 5:2). What seems excruciatingly difficult and out of the couple’s hands and desires, is actually a set-up for a grander story. Sometimes we may incorrectly interpret the unasked for challenging events in our lives, and completely miss something significant. We can also unveil the truth that God knows what He is doing with us, and He will position us to receive His promises. 

Can we miss His timing, place, and position? Yes, our own stubborn, strong-willed, and often faithless decisions can off-put His best for us. I have experienced this first-hand. Yet, during the recovery of one such time, I learned a Biblical principle that applies here: Be faithful and obedient in the small things, and you will be in the right place at the right time for the big things God is doing. The Christmas couple exemplifies this for us.

Next, don’t fret about decisions to be made, whether small or large. Stay poured out before God’s throne. Do the next right thing that He tells you to do (Isaiah 30:21). Drink in His Word. Be filled with His Holy Spirit. Then, see how easily He places you exactly where you are meant to be at precisely the right time.