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Christmas is here, and with it comes the familiar sights, sounds, and stories that remind us why this season is so special. Amid the festivities, the story of the Nativity stands as a powerful example of focus, purpose, and unwavering faith.

When we think of the birth of Christ, it’s easy to overlook how intentional God’s plan was. Every detail—Mary and Joseph’s journey, the humble setting of the manger, the shepherds and wise men—was woven into a divine strategy that changed the course of history. This wasn’t a random event; it was the fulfillment of a promise, carried out with precision and focus.

As we celebrate Christmas this week, the Nativity offers us profound lessons for planning and living with purpose, especially as we look ahead to a new year.

The birth of Christ was the beginning of an unfolding story. God’s plan was rooted in His love for humanity, with the ultimate goal of redemption.

When planning for the new year, begin with your "why." Ask yourself:

What is the deeper purpose behind my goals? How will these goals impact my life and the lives of those around me? Knowing your "why" gives your plans meaning and helps you stay focused, even when challenges arise.

The Savior of the world was born in a manger—hardly the grand entrance one might expect. Yet, this humble setting didn’t diminish the greatness of His purpose.

As you map out your new year, remember that big dreams often start small. Don’t despise small beginnings. Whether you’re launching a side hustle, improving your health, or building stronger relationships, focus on steady progress rather than immediate perfection.

Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem was far from ideal. They faced uncertainty, discomfort, and a lack of resources. Yet, they trusted in God’s plan, even when the path wasn’t clear.

In your strategic planning, understand that the road may not always be smooth. Setbacks will come, but they don’t have to derail you. Trust the process and keep moving forward with faith that each step is leading you closer to your goals.

Amid the busyness of the season, take time to reflect on the Nativity story and how it mirrors the principles of intentional planning: starting with purpose, embracing small beginnings, and trusting in the journey.

This week, as you celebrate the birth of Christ, ask yourself:

I pray you have a joyful Christmas and a bright start to the new year.

I hope this message finds you well. I’m sharing from my heart in hopes that you will be inspired to unearth and live out your God-given purpose. Hopefully, something I said resonated. I would love to hear from you if so. Please feel free to reach out to me on social media. FYI: I’m mostly active on Instagram these days. If you were forwarded this message, you can subscribe here to receive thoughts like this directly in your inbox. And don’t forget to check out the latest episode of my podcast, ConvoRoom with Mark Allen Patterson.

See you next week,