God seems to like surprises.  Just when we think we know what He’s going to do and how He’s going to do it, He takes a sharp turn and does something we never could have imagined.

There’s a well-known Christmas hymn called “Come Thou Long Expected Jesus”.  Jesus was expected.  So many Old Testament prophecies foretold His coming. But nobody dreamed it would happen this way:

Unexpected childless elderly couple

Unexpected angelic visits

Unexpected young virgin

Unexpected census

Unexpected room shortage

Unexpected poor shepherds and curious rich kings

So many unplanned surprises along the way.  Angelic visits – good.  Unwed teenager and census travel and room shortages – not so good.

But it was all part of the plan.

Christmas reminds me that God delights in the unexpected.  In matters of grand and universal and eternal significance, and also in the matters of my life and my heart. 

I want to have the kind of faith that expects the unexpected.  Not with resignation and fear and worry, but with excitement and wonder.

And hope.

You are the God who does wonders;  Psalm 77:14

But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.”                   1 Corinthians 2:9

Oh, how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have prepared for those who trust in You in the presence of the sons of men!  Psalm 31:19

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.  Ephesians 3:20-21