Embrace God’s Plan This Christmas - Luke 2

Pastor Dan Walker, PhD, MDiv

Introduction: Embracing God’s Eternal Plan in a Season of Waiting

Today is Christmas Eve Sunday and tomorrow we celebrate the birth of Jesus. I’ve entitled this morning’s message, Embracing God’s Plan This Christmas. At Christmas, God set into motion His eternal plan to send Jesus as our Savior to this earth.

In the same way, God has an eternal plan for your life, yet He does not reveal it all at once. So we must learn to embrace God’s plan, while patiently waiting for it to unfold. In ancient times a watchman would stand guard through the dark night, eagerly anticipating the first light of dawn.

This vigilant waiting in the darkest hours mirrors our own journey in a dark world filled with the shadows of sin and brokenness.

Psalm 130:5–6 (ESV) I wait for the LORD, my soul waits, and in his word I hope; my soul waits for the Lord more than watchmen for the morning, more than watchmen for the morning.

At Christmas we wait and hope in the Lord, yearning for God’s intervention in our fallen world. We wait and hope in the Lord for Him to guide us in His plan for our lives. This season reminds us that waiting on God is never wasted.

Isaiah 52:8 (ESV) The voice of your watchmen—they lift up their voice; together they sing for joy; for eye to eye they see the return of the LORD to Zion.

You see watchmen sing for joy as they see with the eyes of faith the return of the Lord. This Christmas, God calls us to be watchmen, looking for and anticipating with joy God’s plan for our lives and for our fallen world. Today, we’re going to learn some lessons about how to embrace God’s plan from watchmen and watchwomen who were waiting for Jesus.

Live in Obedience

Luke 2:21 (ESV) And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

Our first example of living in obedience is Mary and Joseph. When the angel visited Mary and told her about baby Jesus, she embraced God’s plan for her life, even though it seemed impossible. Although Joseph at first did not understand, when an angel visited him, he embraced God’s plan.

Now, after the birth of Jesus, this young couple had the baby circumcised according to the Law. They also named Him with the name the angel had given, Jesus. The name Jesus meant that He was to be the Savior.

Despite not knowing what the future held, Mary and Joseph willingly obeyed every detail of God’s Word for their son. They accepted their part in God’s plan, even though they did not understand everything that was coming in the future.

Luke 2:22, 24 (ESV) And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord … and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord.

This purification took place according to the Law thirty-three days after Jesus’ circumcision. They humbly obeyed God’s Word, even though it was costly for them as a poor couple. They gave of what they had in obedience to God’s Word.

Choosing Obedience Even When God’s Plan Disrupts Yours

What can we learn from the example of Mary and Joseph this Christmas? They obeyed God’s Word and followed God’s plan even though it was not easy or convenient for them. Mary and Joseph had no idea how their marriage plans would be upended by the visit of the angel.

God’s plans for your life will also completely upend your plans for your life. In fact, to become a believer, you must let go of all of your plans and submit to God’s plans. God calls us to obey even when you’re not sure how things are going to work out.

God values your faithfulness in small things and works through humble obedience. God never shows us the full picture of His plan and future for us. Yet, we must learn to obey and trust God in times of uncertainty.

Are you going through times of change, challenge, or confusion? God calls on you to lean on His wisdom and guidance. He will not show you His entire plan, but He will show you the next step.

Every step that God calls you to take in obedience is possible with His help. It may not seem possible to you, but as you step out in faith, God will help you. Humbly choose to obey, even though you do not understand, and God will bless your obedience.

Wait on God’s Promises

Luke 2:25–26 (ESV) Now there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon, and this man was righteous and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.

Next we’re introduced to a righteous man named Simeon. These verses say that Simeon was waiting for the consolation of Israel. This means that Simeon was a watchman for the Messiah to come.

The coming of the Messiah had been prophesied for thousands of years. Yet, Simeon was waiting on God’s promise to be fulfilled. When someone is waiting on the Lord, the Holy Spirit will be upon them.

Since the Holy Spirit was on Simeon, the Spirit revealed to him that he would live to see the Christ, the Messiah. Simeon was advanced in years, but he didn’t give up hope in God’s promise. Not only did he believe the Messiah would come someday, he believed God’s promise would be fulfilled in his lifetime.

Luke 2:27 (ESV) And he came in the Spirit into the temple, and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him according to the custom of the Law,

This verse tells us that Simeon came in the Spirit into the temple. That means that the Spirit directed Simeon to come into the temple on that day at that exact time. When Joseph and Mary brought Jesus into the temple, Simeon was right on time.

Luke 2:28–32 (ESV) he took him up in his arms and blessed God and said, “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.”

Simeon immediately knew that the baby was no ordinary baby. The child brought in by Joseph and Mary was the promised Messiah. Simeon praised God for fulfilling His promise and then prophesied by the Holy Spirit about the salvation Jesus would bring.

Trusting God’s Timing While You Wait

God is calling you to be a watchman who waits for God’s promises to be fulfilled. Just as God had a plan for Simeon’s life, so God has a plan for your life. Just as Simeon had a promise from God, so God has promises for you.

Oftentimes, God’s promises take time to be fulfilled. Keep on believing, and in God’s way and God’s timing, they will come to pass. We are also called to wait expectantly for Jesus to return and prepare ourselves and others for His coming.

Embrace God’s plan by waiting on God’s promises with faith, patience, and hope.

Proclaim God’s Salvation

Luke 2:36–37 (ESV) And there was a prophetess, Anna, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was advanced in years, having lived with her husband seven years from when she was a virgin, and then as a widow until she was eighty-four. She did not depart from the temple, worshiping with fasting and prayer night and day.

Lastly, we are introduced to another elderly woman named Anna. Anna is described as a prophetess, meaning she spoke God’s words through the Holy Spirit. Though widowed most of her life, she devoted herself to worship, fasting, and prayer.

Luke 2:38 (ESV) And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.

Anna was also led by the Spirit to come at the exact moment Jesus was in the temple. She worshiped God and proclaimed to others that salvation had come. Anna became a witness, declaring that God’s redemption had arrived through Jesus.

Becoming a Witness No Matter Your Past or Present Circumstances

Anna’s life teaches us that despite hardship, God still has a plan. No matter what you’ve gone through, God desires to use you. Like Anna, we must recognize when God is moving and be willing to share the good news.

God’s plan for every believer includes worship, prayer, and witness. If Anna, an elderly widow, could proclaim God’s salvation, so can you. A watchman who sees God moving will speak boldly about His salvation.

Conclusion: Living as Watchmen of Hope

As we draw this message to a close, let’s return to the image of the watchman. Just as a watchman waits through the night for the dawn, we wait for the light of Jesus to shine in our lives and world. Joseph and Mary, Simeon, and Anna all embraced God’s plan with faith and patience.

This Christmas, never doubt God’s plan for your life. Embrace it with faith, obedience, and hope. Because Jesus has come, His light pierces even the darkest night.

Let us rejoice in the birth of our King, Jesus Christ, the true light of the world. May the peace and joy of this season fill your hearts, and may God guide you in His plan all your days.

📘 Continue the Journey

Reflect deeper and apply this week’s message with the Message Study Guide — perfect for personal devotions, family discussion, or your Life Group.

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