Christmas is the time of year for peace on earth, goodwill toward men. It is a time for special traditions like trees, decorations and enjoying family and friends with visits and gifts. Yet, this year something may be missing or something may have happened unexpectedly making this less than an ideal Christmas.

I am sure Joseph, husband of the Virgin Mary, felt disappointment in the circumstances surrounding the Christ child’s birth in Bethlehem. His plans for an ideal birth included nursery preparation, a handmade crib, a midwife and friends to care for Mary and the baby.

Then without warning, the unexpected happened. Caesar of Rome required them to travel 70 miles to the place of their family origin to register their citizenship and pay their taxes in person. Maybe, he thought, just maybe, Mary can make it there and back before the baby’s birth.

Well, it did not happen as Joseph planned. While in Bethlehem, the baby came. No suitable room was available, only a dirty smelly stable. There was no midwife or other women to encourage and support her, just Joseph and a few animals who were unaware of her fear and pain.

Your situation this Christmas, like Joseph, may cause you to feel alone, scared and discouraged. They were in the right place because, after all, where else would the Lamb of God be born? The timing was exactly as God had planned for the birth of our Savior. God was there and had everything under control just as He does for us today.

Christmas is about a person, God’s greatest gift, a Savior for all mankind. It is also a time for families to be united through the Prince of Peace. Christmas will be a time of great joy for all who trust their life to Him.

The Lord can turn your stable into a palace and replace your loneliness with the comfort of His presence. Let the Lord replace your plans with His perfect plans. This could be your greatest Christmas ever if you allow the Christ of Christmas to be born into your heart today.

STEVE CONWELL, pastor of Maranatha Baptist Church, is heard mornings on WFLO and WVHL in “A Thought For Today.” His email address is steveconwell@outlook.com.