The Unexpected Savior
“And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
God sent His son to earth
In a most unexpected way,
He didn't come riding on a white horse,
But as a baby laying in hay.
He wasn't born into royalty,
But to a virgin teen;
Betrothed but unmarried,
Her pregnancy unforeseen.
The announcement of the Savior,
Wasn't headline news,
It was proclaimed to a group of shepherds,
The lowliest of Jews.
Jesus did the unexpected
Much to the Jews' dismay.
Turning things upside down
To show us a better way.
God often does the unexpected,
To get our attention or
To set us on a better path
We'd never thought of before.
What expectations do you have
For Christmas this year?
Are your plans set in stone
With traditions held so dear?
Look for unexpected ways
To spread Christmas cheer,
Allowing God to guide you
Into something new this year.
In the coming year,
Expect the unexpected,
Open your heart to the Lord
Allowing to be directed.
You will make a difference
In unexpected ways,
In the lives of people you encounter,
As a new trail you blaze!
We all have expectations. We make plans that seem perfect, whether for the near future or for the years ahead. We anticipate with hopeful hearts for the plans to fall into place as expected. When they do, we are grateful, or maybe don’t even acknowledge it, taking for granted that it would happen as we planned. But when things don’t go as expected, we’re thrown for a loop. Depending on the outcome, our emotions can run the gamut. We question what happened and why. I’ve learned to hold on to plans loosely, because our “best laid plans can go awry.” (Many plans are in a man’s mind, but it is the Lord’s purpose for him that will stand. Proverbs 19:21) The Lord knows what’s best for us, and sometimes the plans we make are better off altered. It may not always seem so, but hindsight gives us a different perspective.
There were several expectations in the Christmas story that didn’t go as planned. The Jews were expecting a Savior to come blazing in on a white horse. Their expectations were correct, but their timing was off. That will be the Messiah’s second coming. He first came in a most unexpected way, as foretold in the Old Testament. (For to us a child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6) Even though it was prophesied the Messiah would come as a baby, the Jews expected the Messiah to grow up to be a conquering king. In a sense He was, but not how they expected. They expected Him to conquer the Roman empire, but Jesus came to conquer death. He came to save their souls, not their city.
Mary expected to marry Joseph and raise a family-in that order. But God had a different plan. He saw in Mary a faithful servant and knew she would be a loving mother. He knew she would be able to bear the responsibility of raising His son, even if she felt unsure. (But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. Luke 2:19) Joseph was thrown for a loop, too! But, after an angel assured him to stay with Mary, he took her as his wife after the birth of Jesus. Their lives were forever changed, but God gave them the strength and wisdom to raise His son. (And Jesus kept increasing in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and men. Luke 2:52)
The arrival of the Messiah was announced in an unexpected way. First, God chose to tell a group of lowly shepherds to be the ones to spread the Good News of the birth of a Savior. On an ordinary evening, as several shepherds tended to their flock, the sky opened up and an angel appeared! Fear turned into awe, when the angel told them about the birth of a Savior. Then a whole host of angels appeared! (Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” Luke 2: 13-14) After the angels left, the shepherds were compelled to go see the baby for themselves. Upon seeing Jesus, they were filled with joy and amazement and spread the word around town. Meanwhile, the Magi noticed a distinct star in the sky, interpreting it as a sign of the birth of a great king. They followed the star to meet Jesus. The Magi were skilled astronomers, not Jews. The Jews expected the Messiah to be for them exclusively, but God had a different plan. In choosing shepherds and the Magi to encounter Jesus, God showed He had come for everyone regardless of their status, race, or religious beliefs.
What expectations do you have this Christmas? Of course, we all make plans throughout the season and look forward to the familiar traditions and family gatherings. But allow room for God to move in unexpected ways, too. Be an unexpected blessing to someone. Be open to seeing the Christmas story in a new perspective. Be like the shepherds, spreading the Good News in an unexpected way. May the wonder of the birth of our Savior warm your hearts, and the joy of our Risen Messiah fill you with the anticipation of the unexpected!
Dear Jesus, what joy it is to celebrate your birth! As we move through this season of love, peace, and merriment, may we be open to the unexpected plans that will enhance our lives and those around us. Amen