“While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped Him in cloths and placed Him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.” Luke 2:6-7

God is an amazing storyteller. He reveals bits and pieces of a grand picture over time, weaving all the threads together at the right moment so that we see the full image. All throughout Scripture, God follows a pattern. He reveals a prophesy, and many years pass by, but His prophesy always comes true-every time, without fail. Every event that leads to the birth of Jesus is the fulfillment of a prophesy.

In Micah chapter 5, there’s a prophesy which states, “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from old ancient times” (verse 2).

God allowed Caesar Augustus to become the emperor knowing that he would require all people to return to their hometowns for the census. Mary would travel with Joseph for the census, but there would be no room for them in the inn once they arrived. Jesus would instead be born in a feeding trough in the humble city of Bethlehem, completing the prophesy that was foretold years before.

Why does God do this?

He proves that His word is trustworthy.

The Lord does not forget His promises, and He does not go back on His word. He leaves nothing left undone, and every detail of your life is a thread in His grand picture.

When Mary and Joseph arrive in the city of Bethlehem, one might think that God would provide them with a place to stay, but He takes the inconveniences of life to bring us to our destiny.

Jesus was destined to be born in a manger rather than a castle, and Mary and Joseph were destined to travel to the humble city of Bethlehem-a city which translated means “house of bread.” Why? Because God loves the details. He loves a good story. How much more does it mean to us that the King of Kings was born without a thing to His name, yet He would become the bread of life for the world?

God’s promises are true. Remember that He is in the details, no matter how inconvenient or confusing your life might be. He has a plan, and though His plans often take time, we will look behind us and realize that He has always been faithful.