We all have plans. We all make promises. This season of the year is filled with plans and promises. The season we celebrate two-thousand years ago was filled with plans and promises as well.

An aging couple after years without children planned to settle into their twilight years, until God…

A young engaged couple planned a wedding celebration, then God …

A late-night group of third-shift workers planned for an uneventful evening, when God …

A geo-political delegation planned a trip to the capital city to celebration the newest addition to the royal family, but God …

Every one of them planned for something that turned out to be nothing like they expected. None of them supposed those plans would be interrupted by a promise made over ten-thousand nights before. On one silent and holy night all those plans would be upended by a promise long forgotten and long overdue. In one night, God performed a wonder to change all of history.

One promise fulfilled in the birth of a Savior, a King … the Wonderful Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, and the Prince of Peace.

What did all those plans lead to? Plans for hope. Plans of Trust. Plans for Joy. Plans for Peace.

This season whatever challenges you may face, plans get upended, or expectations are let down, the child of promise is Emmanuel “God with Us.” Jesus is the hope you long for. Jesus is the love you desire. Jesus is the joy of your heart. Jesus is the peace of your soul.

Over these next five weeks, we will discover Jesus is the “Child of Promise” who fulfills all our hope, faith, joy, and peace.

Prayer for Today: God I have plans this season, but I know you have promises. Help me to trust you today when my plans don’t turn out. I will trust you to fulfill your promises.