We receive notifications all the time. Our phones beep and buzz, indicating that someone has liked something we said or responded to a message we sent. We get warnings about severe weather, traffic congestion, and missing persons. Some people enjoy these notifications, but for many, they are annoying. This latter group often silences or turns off notifications so they will not be distracted. If your child were the Amber Alert's subject, you would want everyone to pay attention to the information. If your home is in the path of dangerous weather, you need to know to prepare.

The Christmas story is full of notifications and warnings. The angel appeared to Joseph to let him know that Mary's pregnancy was divine and that he should have no reservations about marrying her. Harrod, upon learning about Jesus' birth, was so afraid for his power that he instructed the wise men to report back to him with the child's location so he could kill the baby. Later, after meeting Jesus, an angel appeared to them in a dream to tell them to go home differently. After the wise men leave, The angel tells Joseph to flee to Egypt to protect Mary and baby Jesus. These dreams, visitations, and warnings were not an accident. They were all part of God's plan to protect Jesus and fulfill His plan for salvation. What if Joseph had ignored the notification about the divine nature of Mary's pregnancy? What if the wise men had not listened to the angel and returned to Harrod and told him where the baby was?

Like Joseph, we must pay attention to God's warnings, direction, and guidance. When God prompts us, we must listen and respond. Over time, we become accustomed to this obedience and can learn to recognize it when it happens. Are we sensitive to what God is trying to tell us? Our world is busy, and many things are vying for our attention. We must silence the world's noise so we can listen to the voice of God trying to notify us of things critical to our lives. We cannot miss what he has to say. We must not silence the notifications from God.