Life’s detours often lead to some of God’s greatest gifts.
Life rarely goes according to plan.
Life’s “detours” create space for us to learn to lean into God.
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. —Luke 2:1-5
But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times. —Micah 5:2
God comes to us disguised as our life. —Richard Rohr
3 TAKEAWAYS FROM LUKE 2:1-5
God is with you in your detours. Be sure to look for him.
Take the next step of obedience, even when you can’t see the whole picture.
Embrace the unexpected blessings God brings your way on life’s detours.
DON’T MISS THE SCENERY JUST BECAUSE THE JOURNEY WASN’T PLANNED.
3 WAYS TO RESPOND TO TODAY’S MESSAGE
Maybe you’ve never fully opened your heart to Jesus. You’ve heard about Him, but you haven’t taken that step to invite Him into your life. If that’s you, hear this: the Jesus born in Bethlehem came for you. He came to bring hope, light, and life—to you. God sees you. He knows your journey, and He loves you more than you can imagine. Today could be the day you unwrap the greatest gift of all by opening your heart to Jesus and placing your trust in Him.
Here’s a prayer you can pray: “Jesus, I open my heart to You. I trust You with my life. Bring Your hope, light, and life into my soul today.”
Maybe you’ve already invited Jesus into your heart, but life feels like a detour right now. Things aren’t going the way you planned. It’s hard to trust God when everything feels uncertain. This moment could be an opportunity to lean into God’s presence. Ask Him to show you how He’s working—even when you don’t see it. Take one small step of faith, no matter how difficult it feels.
Here’s a prayer to carry with you: “Lord, help me trust You in this season. Show me how You’re working, even when I can’t see it. Strengthen my faith, and guide me to take the next step of obedience.”
Maybe you’re still figuring it all out. You’re curious about Jesus but unsure what it means to follow Him. If that’s you, we want you to know something: it’s okay. Keep seeking. Keep asking questions. God is already with you, right where you are. You don’t have to have all the answers to belong here. We want you to keep coming back. Keep asking questions. God loves you, and so do we. God is patient, and so are we.
Here’s a prayer you could take with you as you move forward: “God, reveal Yourself to me. Help me to understand who You are and what it means to follow You. Meet me in my questions and guide me on this journey of faith.”
OUR BENEDICTION
May the beauty of God be reflected in our eyes
the love of God be reflected in our hands
the wisdom of God be reflected in our words
and the knowledge of God flow from our hearts
so that everyone around us might see and beleive.