But the plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of his heart through all generations.

Psalm 33:11

So much of our Christmas anxiety comes from a sense of needing to control every detail—the perfect gift, the flawless family gathering, the seamless travel schedule. We believe our happiness hinges on everything going according to our plan. But the Christmas story reminds us that God's greatest work often happens when our plans fall apart. The very birth of Jesus, which we often view through the lens of stress and hurry, was a masterclass in divine control. The "hurried inn" is a myth we project onto the story; a symbol of our own worry.

The truth is, the manger was no accident. God could have arranged a grand palace for the birth of His Son. He could have ensured a guest room was available, a parade of heralds, and a crowd of the elite to witness the event. But He didn't. The manger, the humble shepherds, the journey to Bethlehem—it was all part of the plan. The Lord's plans stand firm forever, and His perfect will is unfolding, even when our personal plans seem to be completely derailed. There is no such thing as a coincidence when it comes to God’s will. Everything passes through His hands.

This is a profound truth for our hurried lives. When our carefully crafted holiday schedule gets disrupted, when a flight is delayed, or a gift doesn't arrive on time, it's easy to feel as though our perfect Christmas is being thwarted. But God is not being thwarted. He is working. He is showing up in both little ways and big ways to accomplish His purposes. His sovereignty means we can release the burden of needing to control every outcome. We can find rest in the assurance that even in the midst of disruption, His plan is still unfolding perfectly.

When your day feels disrupted, remember that God's plan is unfolding, not being thwarted, and find rest in His sovereignty.

Questions for Reflection

1. Think about a time when your plans for the holiday season fell apart. Looking back, can you identify how God might have been at work in that situation?

2. What is one aspect of your Christmas preparations that you are trying to control, and how can you intentionally surrender that to God's ultimate plan?

3. There is no such thing as a coincidence for God. How can this truth change your perspective on the small, unexpected disruptions you face this week?