No matter how you choose to celebrate Christ this season, let the Messiah–not the mayhem–reign in your quiet Christ-focused heart.

Read: Luke 2:5—7

5 He [Joseph] went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, 7 and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

Reflect: God is never early, or late. Whether or not you’ve personally experienced birthing a child—know this: when it’s time, it’s time. There is no holding off or rushing forward; you must yield to the pace and the place. Mary wasn’t at home or in a posh guest room awaiting the baby’s arrival. She was in a crazy-crowded town, hunkered in a stable, giving birth to the salvation of the world. That may not have been what she pictured in her mind when the angel visited her, but it was God’s plan. And friends, when it’s God’s plan–no matter our surroundings or circumstances–it’s better to yield and say, “When it’s time, it’s time, my Lord.”

Respond: Perfect Father, how often I want to hold Your hand back or inch it forward to control my world. Yet, you have the best pace and the optimal place. Teach me to willingly yield to Your will and Your way.

Tot Time: Talk about babies being born and what that means to you as a friend, family member, or parent. Remind the little ones how loved they are and how God planned for them to be born. God knew the time and the place. It was just as He wanted!