This weekend we continued preparing for the birth of our Savior, Jesus. We taught the children how Mary and Joseph prepared for the birth of Jesus. We also taught the children of ways they could prepare to receive God’s gift of Jesus.

We have calendars, day planners, and all types of electronic gadgets to assist us in making proper plans and preparations for our events. We have notepads and alarm clocks on our cell phones, watches, and computers to ensure that we reach our destinations on time. We plan and prepare, researching the details and logistics of our business trips, vacations, and family visits. We have timed everything perfectly, and we think we know the outcome. We are in control. Yet with all of our planning and expectations, sometimes things don’t work out exactly like we want. Something goes wrong—our watch battery dies, we lose our calendar, or there’s no room at the inn. What do we do?

Joseph and Mary probably thought they had everything planned out. They were dutifully following Emperor Augustus’s decree to return to their own hometown for the census (Luke 2:1-3). The journey was also close to the time for Jesus’ birth, so surely Mary and Joseph had that at the forefront of their minds. They probably made preparations for baby Jesus before they left home, bringing extra food and clothing and ensuring they could make the return journey with a third person, a baby! Then they arrive in Bethlehem and cannot find a place to stay. Mary’s thoughts were probably along the lines of: “Why can’t I be home in my own bed bringing my child into this world?” But it wasn’t Mary’s child, it was God’s child; and God had a plan, just as God has a plan for us. No matter what we calculate, plan, schedule, or determine, God is in control and God knows how it will all work out. God’s plan was for Jesus to be born in Bethlehem. All it took was for Mary to affirm God’s control in the situation.

This week as you go about your daily routine, know that God’s divine plans are taking place simultaneously. What does this mean? It means that God will use you in the lives of your children to accomplish His plans. God will use you to reach your children with God’s love. Doesn’t it feel good to know that God is in control?

Remember God will use you to serve. Make preparations to the best of your ability, plan to teach your children about God’s greatness and His love for them, and relax in the knowledge that God is at work in your life and in the lives of your children. Trust God to be with you and to divinely lead you as you help your children in preparing to receive God’s gift of Jesus.

“To you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord”. Luke 2:11

“Merry Christmas, from all of us in the Kidz Alive Ministry”.