“for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment?” – Ecclesiastes 2:25 (NIV)
We celebrate things and people that have meaning and add value to our lives. A birth anniversary, academic or other achievement, the return of a loved one, or the birth of a child are all reasons for celebration. We are familiar with the account from the Word of God of the woman who lost one coin out of ten and celebrated when she found it, and also of celebration in heaven over one sinner who repents and returns to the fold (Luke 15:7-10 – NIV). Praise the Lord!
As we eagerly look forward to this time of year, let us reflect on what Christmas means and what we should really celebrate during this season. Let us put aside for a moment the hustle and bustle, cleaning and decorating, feasting, and gift exchanges with friends and family and prepare to receive afresh the greatest gift ever given to all mankind: Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
God made a promise through the prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 7:14), and His promises are always delivered in His perfect time. That promise was fulfilled in the Gospels centuries later in the account recorded in Luke 1:31-35. It recounts Mary’s encounter with God’s messenger and her humble submission to God’s plan: the birth of His Son, Jesus Christ.
God’s redemptive plan for man was rolled out over ages, and as the Scripture records, “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law…”(Galatians 4:4-5 -NKJV). God remembered His promise of Salvation to all mankind and delivered His Son as a babe in a manger. He never fails to honour His promises to us. He does it His way.
This Christmas, what do you want Jesus to do for you, your family, and your church? What have you been asking God to change in your situation? Do not give up. Hold on to your faith, trust Him to deliver, and He will, just in time.
Prayer
Father, we celebrate Jesus in a special way this Christmas, knowing that nothing is beyond Your ability to perform. You sent Jesus, fulfilling your promise of a Saviour, and we thank You for those promises yet to be fulfilled. We praise You, O Mighty God. Amen.
Read: Genesis 15:4-5; Isaiah 7:14
Bible Reading Guide: Psalm 139:17-24; Jude 1; Zechariah 5; Zechariah 6; Zechariah 7; Zechariah
