What God Was Doing, Day 17

We have come full circle and are close to the eve of His birth. So many people responded differently to God when He intersected the lives of the nativity players. Zacharias and Elizabeth walked blamelessly, yet when God showed up as Zacharias attended business, as usual, he doubted; Elizabeth hoped. Mary bowed despite her questions and positioned herself as a participant in the promises of God, praising Him as she went. Joseph was steadfastly obedient, protecting mother and Child. The shepherds watched diligently and were rewarded with a chorus of angels; the Magi followed a star that would lead them to Jesus. Herod plotted, but his plots were thwarted by the plan of God.

But there's one key player we didn't discuss in this Christmas devotional: God. What was He busy doing? Jesus gives us a glimpse of this in His meeting with Nicodemus when Christ shares, "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him, shall not perish, but have eternal life. For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him" (John 3:16-17). God was loving and sending, and He wouldn't be stopped.

Zacharias’ doubt didn’t deter Him; Mary’s questions didn’t faze Him; Joseph’s concerns didn’t stress Him; Herod’s murderous madness didn’t hinder Him. God was watching over His Word to perform it. His promise of salvation to all mankind, a way back into community with Him, would come to pass through the birth, death, and resurrection of Jesus. And this same God is still watching over His word that He gave to you.

As we celebrate the Lord’s incarnation, let us not forget to be ever thankful for His love that pursues us when we doubt and question. Let us remember He first sent His Son, then His Holy Spirit, and then placed us in a community of faith so we would never again be alone. He sent to us, and He has sent us. May we, as Christ did, be willing to leave our places of comfort to declare this gospel of peace to the world: that reconciliation with God is not only possible, He desires it above all. May His light illuminate your path this season, and may His presence in you bring light into a dark world.