Not what they thought.

They were looking for a King, coming with wealth and riches; but instead, a meek and poor child was born to them. They expected a man with strength and power, yet they were given a helpless baby. God's chosen people had expectations for this King that was to come save them. They were so caught up in their own desires and premonitions that they didn't even know their own Savior when He came to them. Sometimes I wonder if it is not the very same way with us.
So often we ask God for something, and we expect that very thing to happen. Yet our dreams and our ways are nothing compared to God's. His plans always far exceed anything we could conjure up. From a materialistic and human point of view, a humble, lowly baby was not anything close to a Savior for the Jews.

1 Corinthians 1:27-29 (NLT) says: "Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God."

Jesus was everything our world doesn't put value in. But He was everything we should put value in. Our Savior came to this earth as a mere human. He came and worked as a carpenter; a mediocre job. He gave up His royal throne in Heaven. Christ gave up never-ending praise from His angels, to live a humble life as our Savior. He died a despised and lowly death, given to the worst of men, so that we might have everlasting life with Him! The Lord died to pay the sins of this world, for you, for me, and for everyone on this earth. If we only accept Him and His gift of eternal life, we can spend eternity with Him in Heaven.

Although many people did not recognize or accept the fact that Jesus had come to them as a baby, there were also those who did. Just think of the people who did recognize Jesus; who did pay Him the honor and tribute He deserved. How blessed they must be because of that! Wise men, held in high esteem, came and bowed down to a child, because God Almighty said so. They brought Him gifts of gold, incense, and myrrh. Shepherds, told by angels that the Son of God was born, gave Jesus glory and praise! What a wonderful experience it must have been to actually see Jesus.

What we expect is not always God's plan. But sometimes, the unexpected is far more amazing and perfect than anything else.

Isaiah 9:6 (NIV)
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.


Your Sister in Christ,
Jessica