Malls are bustling with Christmas shoppers. Even here on our tropical island in Asia. Everyone seems to have a long “to do” list. My shopping list was short yesterday, but wriggling my way through the crowds made my trip to the mall long and tiring! Whew!

A few years ago, I contemplated all that God did to get “ready” for the first Christmas in history. He had a long “to do” list! Here’s what I found in Scripture:

God’s “To Do” List

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Beginning 42 Generations Before:

• Begin lineage, 3 groups of 14 
• Isaiah 7:14 – Have Isaiah  prophecy virgin birth and the name Immanuel
• Micah 5:2 – Have Micah prophecy Messiah’s birth in Betlehem
• Hosea 11:1 – Have Hosea prophecy Jesus going to Egypt
• Jeremiah 31:15 – Have Jeremiah prophecy the deaths of many young boys (because of Herod’s greed)

Long Ago:

• Matt. 2:23 – Have someone prophecy “He will be called a Nazarene”

Years Before:

• Make sure Zechariah and Elizabeth have no children

One Year (or more) Before:

• Luke1:8-11 – Make Zechariah be chosen by lot to go into the temple then send Gabriel to speak to him and foretell the birth of John, who will prepare the way for Jesus

In Elizabeth’s 6th Month:

• Send Gabriel to tell Mary what will happen

6 Months Before:

• Send angel to tell Joseph what will happen

Several Months Before:

• Have a star appear, visible in the East. Prompt men there to see it and instill in them a desire to follow it

“In Those Days”:

• Have Caesar Augustus decide to take a census of the entire Roman World

Just Before Jesus’ Birth:

• Luke 2:4,5 – Have Mary and Joseph go to Bethlehem

A Few Days Before:

• Make sure all inns in Bethlehem are full

The Day of:

• Help Mary safely give birth

The Night of:

• Send a host of angels to the skies outside of Bethlehem to announce Jesus’ birth

After That:

• Matt. 2:9 – Have the star guide wisemen from the East to the exact spot

After The Visit:

• Matt 2:12 – Warn the wisemen in a dream to go home a different route than before.

When They Are Gone:

• Send an angel to tell Joseph to escape to Egypt with Mary & Jesus

After King Herod Dies

• Send an angel to tell Joseph to return

Can you find more?

Maybe you can find more in Scripture. If you do, write it in the comments so I can add it to the list!

As we work through our own “To Do” lists this week before Christmas, let’s take time to remember all that God has done.

The REAL reason for Christmas.

The celebration of Immanuel.

God With Us!

Merry Christmas!