Luke 2:6-7 (NIV)
"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."

Let’s be real for a second—how many times have you unwrapped a Christmas gift with sky-high hopes, only to be hit with crushing disappointment? You rip off the paper, and there it is—a gym membership. Or worse, socks. (Not even the cozy kind, just... socks.) Christmas is supposed to be this magical season, but sometimes it feels like our expectations go head-to-head with reality and lose every single time.

That’s the thing about unmet expectations—they hurt. They steal the joy we thought we’d have, leaving behind frustration, sadness, or even bitterness. And let’s face it, the holidays don’t exactly take it easy on us. Between social media’s highlight reels, family drama, and financial stress, joy can feel as out of reach as finding an empty Target parking lot in December.

But here’s the good news: Joy isn’t tied to perfect circumstances. In fact, the very first Christmas proves this in the most beautiful way.

Let’s talk about this for a second.

Mary and Joseph had every reason to feel let down. Think about it: They probably expected to stay with family in Bethlehem—maybe in a cozy upper room with a warm fire and homemade hummus. Instead, they ended up in a space meant for animals. Picture it—no privacy, no comfort, and the smell? Yikes.

Yet this messy, unexpected situation was exactly where God chose to show up.

God’s Plan Doesn’t Derail
When life doesn’t look the way we think it should, it’s easy to feel like something’s gone wrong. But Luke 2:6-7 reminds us that our unmet expectations don’t derail God’s plan. Mary and Joseph’s makeshift delivery room wasn’t Plan B—it was part of God’s purpose all along.

That’s the crazy thing about joy. It doesn’t depend on everything going smoothly. It comes from trusting that God is at work, even when life feels like one big detour.

The Joy of Humble Beginnings
Here’s another thing about the manger: It’s proof that God loves small beginnings. Jesus didn’t show up in a palace surrounded by trumpets and royal fanfare. He arrived in the humblest of places—a manger in a tiny town, surrounded by animals and shepherds.

God often starts big things in small, unexpected ways. Maybe that’s true in your life right now. You might feel like what you’re doing is insignificant or like the season you’re in doesn’t matter. But don’t overlook the “small things.” They could be the start of something incredible.

Joy in the Unexpected
What’s even more amazing is how joy can show up in the middle of life’s mess. For Mary and Joseph, the chaos of the first Christmas didn’t erase the joy of welcoming Jesus. And for us, joy isn’t about having everything together—it’s about knowing God is with us, even in the tough moments.

So, if this season feels heavy, take a deep breath. The joy of Christmas isn’t found in perfect gifts or picture-perfect moments. It’s found in the presence of God, who meets us in our chaos and transforms our disappointment into hope.

Finding joy in the unexpected isn’t just a nice sentiment—it’s a mindset we can cultivate daily. Here are a few practical ways to apply this truth to your life:

1. Adjust Your Expectations
Life rarely goes exactly as planned. Instead of letting unmet expectations rob your joy, practice flexibility and trust in God’s greater purpose. Next time plans change or things feel off course, ask, “What might God be teaching me in this moment? How is He shaping my faith through this experience?”

Try This: The next time disappointment hits, pause. Write down one unexpected good thing that came out of a past “disappointment” as a reminder of how God can work in every situation.

2. Seek Joy in God’s Presence
True joy isn’t dependent on circumstances—it comes from being connected to God. Make space in your day to experience His presence through prayer, worship, and reflection on His Word.

Try This: Set aside 10–15 minutes each day to pray or read Scripture. During this time, thank God for His presence in your life and ask Him to fill your heart with His joy, even in challenging times.

3. Celebrate Small Beginnings
God often starts big things with small steps. Don’t despise the “small beginnings” in your life. Whether it’s a simple act of kindness, a new routine, or a moment of peace, these are opportunities for God to work in and through you.

Try This: Identify one “small thing” in your life right now—maybe it’s a developing relationship, a new responsibility, or a quiet habit of faith. Write down how you can nurture this as a way to honor God.

4. Share the Joy of Jesus
Joy isn’t meant to be kept to ourselves. Share God’s love and hope with others, especially during the Christmas season. A simple gesture or word of encouragement can brighten someone’s day and point them toward Jesus.

Try This: Think of someone who might need encouragement—a co-worker, neighbor, or family member. Send them a thoughtful message, invite them to coffee, or pray for them.

5. Trust God’s Plan
When life feels uncertain, lean into God’s promises. His plans are always better than ours, even when they don’t make sense at the moment. Trusting Him brings peace and joy that surpass our understanding.

Try This: Reflect on a time when God worked out something unexpected for your good. Write it down as a reminder of His faithfulness, and use it to encourage someone who may be struggling to trust God’s plan.

Joy isn’t about everything going perfectly; it’s about knowing God is with us, working for our good, even in the messiest and most unexpected moments. This Christmas, let’s slow down, celebrate the small beginnings, and find joy in His presence.

“Jesus started in a manger but became the Savior of the world.”