God sending his Son into the world, the greatest historical event has two aspects. There was macro-preparation, but micro-preparation was inadequate from a human perspective.
Macro-preparation: God sent His son at the appropriate time. (Galatians 4:4) The world was prepared socially, economically, politically, and culturally to receive the Messiah. God prepared Mary so that The Messiah was born to a virgin as prophesied by the prophet. (Isaiah 7:14) God orchestrated the world affairs through a census by Caesar Augustus that Mary and Joseph had to go to Bethlehem, where Lord Jesus Christ was born in Bethlehem as foretold by Prophet Micah. (Luke 2:1; Micah 5:2)
Micro-preparation: However, minute details of preparation in the local context were not in place. The earthly foster father Joseph failed even to book a room in Bethlehem. Mary did not visit a Just Born shop to keep clothes ready for the Son of God, so Jesus was wrapped in swaddling clothes. To deliver the Son of God in an unhygienic place like the stable was beyond human comprehension.
Imperfect world: The Christmas season reminds the people of God, of the First Christmas; that not every aspect was in order; there was chaos, confusion, and disappointments. Lord Jesus was born in an imperfect world and his disciples also live in the same imperfect world.
Wrong expectation: When the Heavenly Father did not prepare for His own Son, why do Christians expect desire or demand certain services and remuneration? What right a Christian does have to murmur about imperfect surroundings and discomfort?”
Right focus: The micro issues can sink the macro mission for which God has called us. The mission (the purpose and will of God) is the most important thing in a believer’s life. In the pursuit of that mission, which is an eternal and long-term process, micro issues become irrelevant. The mission of incarnation happened despite all the troubles. Our focus should be the God-given vision and not the minor irritations and distractions.
Am I focused on the big picture of life or distracted by minor issues?