How Mary and Joseph must have wondered what their child would become as an adult! What expectations and questions must have been placed in their minds and hearts from the early visits by angels to inform them of the baby coming and from later visits by shepherds and wise men upon the birth. God had wonderful plans that were to unfold as this baby grew to become a man. As I spent time with our four grandchildren on Christmas I now reflect about each of their lives and all the plans that God has for them as they also grow up to adulthood. As family we are mindful of how children are guided by our instruction, love and discipline. But beyond all that there is some kind of eternal and specific plan and purpose that God has placed within each child. We marvel as children grow and change and find maturity through the pains and challenges of life. And we are filled with wonder as we observe the qualities and talents and unique personality that God has crafted in each one. As life unfolds, so does the power and presence and purpose of God. We have much freedom of choice but He has the greater freedom of the master craftsman. We are the beneficiaries of those plans...sometimes we even are surprised by His plans as they are expressed in our own lives!
Luke 1:66 And all those who heard them kept them in their hearts, saying, "What kind of child will this be?" And the hand of the Lord was with him.
blessings,
Rob Smith
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