I was explaining to the kids last week that we talk about Jesus’s birth at Christmastime, but the plan was in place well before that.  After asking them what they thought the gestation of a baby was (and indicating everything from a few months to 5 years) we settled on the fact that the Christmas story may have begun as early as April. 

If I’m honest, I had never given this fact much thought, since probably like you, I tend to focus on the details of Christmas only once per year. That began my wheels turning…  

Let’s look at Luke 1:13. 13But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. 14And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, 15for he will be great before the Lord. And he must not drink wine or strong drink, and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb.”

We generally do not include John the Baptist as part of the nativity scene, right? But he plays a significant role in preparing the way for the Savior as Jesus entered in his earthly ministry.  And I think this may be a take away…

God prepares the way.  It is our job to simply follow. John was conceived and consecrated for his mission before Jesus was conceived. God has a plan.

I always interpreted(and I think correctly) that when the angels appeared to Zechariah, Mary and Joseph and the first thing said is “Fear not;” it was because  the presence of the angel himself would be terrifying.  I am beginning to wonder if it really was the message itself that was the scary part. Zechariah had a hard time wrapping his head around it.

It’s not our job to understand how God plans to accomplish His will in our lives.  Our responsibility is to  just follow His lead. I think we do not have to be concerned about striving to work out the details.  Just listen. Follow the instructions. And let Him lead.  

When God is doing big things, it becomes quite clear. After all, he sent a host of angels and a bright star to the shepherds.  They weren’t confused. They knew where to find the Savior…..and so do we.