DAY THREE

Series

Prepare Him Room

Date

November 19, 2023

Written By The Chapel

Scripture

At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. He took with him Mary, to whom he was engaged, who was now expecting a child.
Luke 2:1-5 NLT

Day Three

Mary and Joseph have no choice. Although Mary is nine months pregnant, they have to take a 100-mile journey on foot, and think about everything they need to bring, not just for themselves but for the baby to register for the census. This is not a situation they imagined being in.

Now look closer. Amid a major inconvenience is a major revelation of the hand of God. The Messiah is predicted to be born in Bethlehem, but Mary and Joseph are still in Nazareth. On the surface, it appears that the king of the Roman Empire is forcing Mary and Joseph’s steps. But actually, God is at work behind the scenes, leading them right where they need to be. And he is providentially taking care of every detail so that when Jesus comes, there will be no ability to deny that he is the Messiah.

Sometimes, things happen beyond our ability to control, and we find ourselves in situations we could never anticipate. Even though we don’t understand everything that happens in our lives, if we look closer, we will see God at work, too.

As God’s people, we are like Mary. We carry his kingdom inside of us. And we can be sure God is moving behind the scenes of our lives to position us right where we need to be. Not only does he want us to personally encounter him, he wants the people around us to encounter him, too – through us. And as his love, goodness, provision, and power unfold, his presence becomes undeniable.

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28 NIV)

Prayer

Father, I know you are at work in the world and my life. Put me where I need to be for your purposes to unfold. When things get crazy, help me look closer and see your hand at work on my behalf. You will take care of me.

1. How do you see God at work in the circumstances of your life?
2. How might God be positioning you to demonstrate his undeniable presence?
While your kid(s) aren’t looking, parents or older children choose five surprises and hide them throughout the house. Some ideas include stuffed animals, treats, or ornaments. Choose places children would naturally go to so the surprises are “hidden in plain sight.” You want them to be able to find them if they look closely. Then, have your kid(s) set out to find them.
When all the surprises are found, have a fun conversation while they enjoy their surprises.
- Ask your kid(s) what it felt like knowing surprises were waiting for them throughout the house.
- Talk about how this is what life with God is like; amid our everyday lives, he is at work. But we might miss what he is doing if we aren’t intentionally looking.
- Take turns sharing how you have seen God at work in your life recently.