Micah 5:2

Of all the cities in Israel, Bethlehem was chosen by divine providence to be the birthplace of Jesus — just as the Scriptures foretold. Did God know there would be a census that would require both Joseph and Mary to travel from Nazareth to Joseph’s birthplace? Of course. God knows everything. What may seem coincidental to us takes on new meaning when we begin to see all the prophetic words that were fulfilled in Christ.

What we must take time to consider is this: if what God said was true concerning our Messiah, then everything else written is true and worthy of closer attention. There was more that Jesus said concerning our lives and the future ahead.

I don’t presume to know where we are in God’s timeline, but there are certain markers that Jesus Himself — as well as the Apostle John — gave us to watch for. Just as God said Jesus would come, He also said He would come again. Are we ready for that day if it happens in our lifetime? Even if it doesn’t, are we ready to meet Him when we pass from this life? That is the question we must all ask ourselves, for we do not know when that day will come. That is the reason for His coming: He came so that we could answer that question with assurance. It is the most important decision we can make in our lifetime, for it secures our future in eternity.

Let’s not forget why God’s Son was sent and why we — just as the wise men did — worship Him. He made the way for us to be restored to right standing with God, and we are lost without Him.

I am so grateful that God found me and that I responded to His invitation. I found true life because of Him. How about you? It is one thing to know about Him, but have you invited Him into your life and accepted the sacrifice He so graciously gave on your behalf?

That is why we worship Him — not only because He is Lord and King, but because of His great love for us, in that He is not willing that any should perish, but that all would come to know Him.

In the words of the Apostle Peter:
“The Lord isn’t really being slow about his promise, as some people think. No, he is being patient for your sake. He does not want anyone to be destroyed, but wants everyone to repent. But the day of the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief. Then the heavens will pass away with a terrible noise, and the very elements themselves will disappear in fire, and the earth and everything on it will be found to deserve judgment.”
— 2 Peter 3:9–10 (NLT)

And consider Paul’s words to Timothy:

“This is good and pleases God our Savior, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. For, There is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time.”
‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭2‬:‭3‬-‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

May we all continue to be bearers of this great message for all humanity—this Christmas and beyond!