Read: John 1:9 The first Christmas wasn't this wondrous occasion full of gifts and celebration but it was a moment where Mary had to reveal some difficult news to Joseph about the miracle baby she was carrying. He didn't believe her yet he had to submit to obedience when the Lord asked him to trust His plan. The first Christmas was filled with feelings of betrayal and confusion but there was a greater purpose that was about to unfold. Could it be that you are running from something and cursing something that looks like it is from the enemy is actually from God?Being chosen to change the world means that it is a call to change everything we touch, it is a warrior's life, a life filled with the cost of saying no to convenience and yes to Him. Sometimes when we're chosen to change the world we don't feel very chosen in the moment. Sometimes in order for God to use a person greatly He has to break them deeply because we are the vessel and He's the vine and the only way for the snoring comes out is through that crushing. 1. God will always hide us before He uses us. 2. When God gives gifts it doesn't always evokes praise at first 3. God wraps our gifts in a way that wont be pleasing to man, but when we open them we will see His glory! Many times in life we get jealous of other people's "gift wrapping" because what we see on the outside is truly not the gift. We need to open the gifts of God because we can enjoy the greatness within. Don't let the paper it's wrapped in make us run away from what it is. The enemy will try to distract us with things that glitter but will lead to death, so as a church we are not going to get stuck on the papers of rejection, fear, doubt or pain and we will embrace every gift He has for us!