Joy To Your World - Children's Advent DevotionalSample

The magi left. Then Joseph, once again, had an important visit from an angel in a dream. The angel told Joseph that Herod was a threat to his family. Scripture says Joseph “rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt and remained there until the death of Herod”. (Matthew 2:14–15).

Jesus was born for a purpose. Herod’s plan would not alter God’s plan. Jesus had come to bring salvation to everyone. Today, on this day before Christmas, take some time to pause from your plans to thank God for His plans.

Herod was the most powerful man in the land, but his power could not stand against God’s power. We know Mary and Joseph were poor because the offering they made at the temple was a pair of birds instead of a lamb. But Joseph was able to take his family and escape to Egypt at a moment’s notice and live there for a few years. How did they survive?

God already had planned for this trip. The magi brought Jesus valuable gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Joseph had everything he needed to care for his newborn son and his wife in Egypt.

We should hold our plans loosely because God’s plan is always more important. God wants to care for your family too. He might provide what everyone wants, but He will surely give what everyone needs. The most important gifts you receive this Christmas may be a big surprise. But God’s gifts are always something of great value.

Take some time to slow down today. Ask God to help you notice what He is doing and what He is providing in your life. Then, enjoy His gifts and His Presence in your Christmas season. God made sure that Joseph could take care of his family. You can know that God has a plan to care for you today too.

God loves you. Rejoice in His great gifts.