Putting It All Together

Matthew & Luke: When one looks at the Christmas story as a whole it becomes a study or picture of how God orchestrates history using many different kinds of people. Some accomplish God's will through obedience, and some through disobedience, but God's great plan of salvation for His people unfolds according to His perfect plan. Man's choice will decide which side of the equation he will be used, but God's plan will always be accomplished. Gal. 4:4 tell us that "when the time had fully come God sent His Son.” God used Greek conquerors and their culture and Roman politics to set the stage for Jesus' birth. He used the Roman/Jewish half breed King Herod and the emperor Caesar Augustus to force people to be where they needed to be: to Bethlehem, to Egypt, and to Nazareth. God used very simple and "unimportant" people like Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds who acted in obedience to His directions. He used the Angels of heaven to announce and instruct. He used wise men from the East who in their study of the stars were led to the special star that led them to Bethlehem. He used a simple and crude stable to be the birthplace of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords and a manger for His bed. He used an elderly man and an elderly woman to bring words of wisdom to Joseph and Mary about Jesus. Simeon a devout man that had been praying for and longing for the promised Messiah was told that He would see God's answer before he died. Anna a prophetess who was continually in the temple worshiping, fasting and praying was allowed to see the Child and to bless Him. Jesus' Aunt Elizabeth and cousin John the Baptist played their important parts in the drama. As is said of some large-scale movies “...and a cast of thousands." If we were to explore the death, burial and resurrection, we would see how God used countless others to accomplish His perfect plan. As we move on to the present time it is almost curtain time for the next great part of God's plan. The return of His Son for His bride the church. You will be an actor or actress. Will God's plan be accomplished through your obedience or your disobedience. It’s your choice.