December 11, 2025

Imagine being nine months pregnant and riding on a donkey! Surely the jostling of that ride brought on labor, leading to the birth of our Savior. Now imagine you didn't have prenatal care or a doctor to call when labor began, and you're on vacation! The circumstances were necessary to fulfill the Old Testament prophecy of Micah. 

But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting. Micah 5:2

As far as prenatal care, she was watched over by the Holy Spirit, who carefully planned the steps of Mary and Joseph, so that, even though they were poor, Jesus' birth would have significant meaning and prove that even the unfortunate could call Jesus their Savior. Just as God planned every step of Jesus' humble beginnings, He also plans your steps. If you go back over your life and watch what led to your salvation and the things you do today, are they not a perfect plan of what God intended for you? Especially the trials and tribulations you've faced; they strengthened your character and made you grateful to Jesus for bringing you salvation. 

Food for thought:

We must begin putting the pieces of this story together and ask ourselves whether it makes sense that he was born in the winter. That's a flat-out no! What would make sense is for him to be born in the spring, like lambs. However, if celebrating Christmas means we bring to light the birth of our Savior, it doesn't matter when we celebrate it. Honor Jesus in everything you do, but start using your brain and begin putting the pieces of this enormous puzzle together without forcing them just to fit the narrative.