The Christmas account recorded in Matthew is full of reminders that God is faithful.  In Matthew 1:20 an angel tells Joseph not to divorce Mary. In Matthew 2:12 the Magi were warned not to return to Herod.  In Matthew 2:13 the angel warns Joseph to flee with Mary and the new baby to Egypt.  Then in Matthew 2:19-20 Joseph is told it’s safe to go back to Israel. Over an over we see that God is faithful to guide the steps of those who trust Him.

Looking back on my life I’m reminded over and over of God’s faithfulness.  I see how He’s guided my steps to protect, shape, stretch and grow me.  I can’t imagine that it was easy for Joseph to take pregnant Mary as his wife, but I’ll bet he was glad he did. I’m sure the Magi wanted to go home the fastest way possible after their long trip, but God’s short delay saved their lives.  Joseph probably didn’t want to drag Mary and Jesus to a foreign country but God’s protective hand was at work again.

Recently I was one of the final two candidates being interviewed for a senior pastor role and I was not selected for the position.  It was a major blow to my emotions and to my ego.  When I read Matthew’s Christmas account and I see God working in the lives of Joseph, Mary and the Magi I’m again reminded that He can be trusted.  I don’t understand what he’s guiding me toward, but I can be sure that His will is best. He may take me there via a longer route than I’d prefer, but He will get me where I need to be.

This Christmas listen to the messages God is sending to guide your steps.  Look to the past and recall the ways He’s guided you and others.  Then look to the future at the path God want’s to take you down.  The journey God has you on may not take you the route you want to go.  His journey may hurt at times.  His journey may blow your ego.  Yet when it’s all said and done, thanks to God’s faithfulness, you’ll wind up at the right destination.

24 more Christmas readings like this are found in Alan’s Christmas Reboot eBook found here.