Hope Has Arrived

“Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.” – Luke 2:4-5

From the very beginning, God promised a Savior—and He kept His word. Long before Mary ever held Jesus in her arms, God told David that one of his descendants would reign forever (1 Chronicles 17:11–14). Both Mary and Joseph came from David’s line, and God used a Roman census to move them to Bethlehem—the very place the prophets had foretold: “Yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel” (Micah 5:2, NKJV). Bethlehem, the “house of bread,” became the birthplace of the Bread of Life. Even when circumstances seemed chaotic, uncomfortable, and unfair, God was quietly fulfilling every detail of His promise.

Mary and Joseph’s journey reminds us that God often uses unexpected circumstances to accomplish His perfect plan. A wicked ruler, a difficult journey, a crowded town, and a dirty manger were all tools in God’s hands. What looked like inconvenience was actually divine orchestration. They faced fear, exhaustion, misunderstanding, and hardship—but God was moving them exactly where they needed to be. And through it all, He was shaping their faith, deepening their dependence, and preparing them to raise the Savior of the world. What great things God can bring out of circumstances we would never choose.

So what about you? Maybe this season finds you in difficulty, disappointment, or uncertainty. Maybe you’re asking the same questions Mary and Joseph might have whispered: “Lord, where are You? Do You still love me?” The answer is yes. The God who guided them guides you. The God who kept His promise to send Jesus will keep every promise He has made to you. Christmas reminds us that God comes near—into our mess, into our fear, into our need. Jesus came to fulfill the law we could not keep and to give the righteousness we could never earn (Matthew 5:17). He is the greatest gift, the proof of God’s love, and the assurance that even in dark circumstances, God is placing you exactly where His grace will meet you.

When circumstances feel overwhelming, remember Bethlehem. Remember that God is faithful, God is present, and God is working—even when you cannot see it. Trust Him. Lean on His Word. And let the birth of Jesus remind you that God always keeps His promises, and He always comes right on time.

“Your faith will not fail while God sustains it; you are not strong enough to fall away while God is resolved to hold you.” – J.I. Packer