Have you ever taken time to think about the Christmas story from a different perspective? Have you ever thought about the feelings and emotions experienced by those taking part in such a special event?

I read the Christmas story this morning and tried to put myself in Mary's position. Several fears and worries crossed my mind. What would people think? How will this all really work out? Will I lose all that matters to me in the process?

Mary was just a young girl. She was not even married but would soon be noticeably with child. She would have to convince her fiance as well as her family and friends that this child was not the result of sin. She would become a spectacle and risked a lot.

She was also taking quite a journey for this census. Can you imagine riding a donkey for four or five days when you are ready to give birth? I can't even imagine the physical and emotional toll this took on her. Then to arrive at a smelly, dirty stable and give birth in such conditions. I am sure giving birth in a stable was not exactly what most would envision, let alone the birth of a king.

I am sure that the situation was not all that Mary had imagined as she was growing up, dreaming of a wedding and having a baby. But God looked on Mary with favor and chose her to be the mother of the Christ child.  God called her to circumstances and situations that He imagined. He had orchestrated all these events to bring the world a Saviour.

Maybe this Christmas I can stop and be thankful for circumstances and situations that are not exactly as I imagined. Afterall, as the Christmas story reminds us...things may not go the way we imagined, but God can imagine the whole picture and He has a purpose.