Today will wrap up our advent study as we turn our hearts and minds to the blessing of the Christmas season. God took on flesh and dwelt among us, to save us, while we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8).

I want to abide in reflection, with brief examples throughout scripture, of when God’s plan proved not only superior to man’s, but was far more powerful than man could have ever conceived.

In the garden, when Adam and Eve stood cowering, hiding, under hand hewn fig coverings Jesus provided a sin offering to cover their shame. Man’s plan to conceal his sin and shame couldn’t have fathomed that the God walking in the garden would be the same incarnate God that would be born with a mission to provide a once and for all offering for the sin of mankind.

Mary, full of faith and belief in her son as the Messiah, planned for him to fix the problem of the bridegroom’s shortage of wine. She couldn’t have fathomed that the picture of celebration at the miracle of turning water to wine will one day be reflected in the glory of the Messianic kingdom, where we will celebrate His victory, and worship Him as King of the earth, ruling and reigning in perfect justice.

Herod, at the knowledge of Jesus’ birth planned to use the wisemen as caveats of a plan to rid the earth of this newborn King. God used Herod’s wickedness to fulfill the prophecy that, “ When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son (Hosea 11:1)” and to demonstrate his provision by warning Joseph in a dream to flee Bethlehem. It’s likely that the gifts given to Mary and Joseph by the wise men are how they afforded to live in Egypt during the years between Herod’s rage and his death.

There are countless other examples in scripture that demonstrate God’s goodness, and love, but this Christmas season please remember that God’s grace is always sufficient, His mercies are new every morning, His plan and provision for your life began before the foundations of the earth were laid and extend beyond the plot point set marking the end of your life.

If you haven’t trusted in Jesus as your savior, don’t delay. This Christmas season the greatest gift you could receive is salvation by grace, through faith, in the son of God, who loved you, and gave His life for you.