My Advent Journeyಮಾದರಿ

Christmas is a promise

'The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned…For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.' (Isaiah 9:2 and 6, NIV)

Isaiah’s prophecy of the coming of the Messiah occurred centuries before Jesus's birth, so God’s people waited. But waiting doesn’t begin to describe it; it was so much more. Prevailing. Persevering. Desiring with deep groans from the depths of their inmost being that the Promise made would be the Promise kept. The thirst for an answer only stirred more and more questions as time passed. When will the Messiah come? How will this take place? What will the redemption of his people look like?

Christmas fulfilled God’s promise to his people centuries before Christ’s birth that he would be with them. We do not journey this life alone. Immanuel will not leave us when difficulties come or we miss the mark of living a godly life.

Today’s scripture tells us of one of the many prophetic signs that God gave centuries earlier to foretell the coming of the Promised Messiah.

• When you hear the word 'promise,' what comes to mind?
  
  
• When you hear of the promised Messiah, what does that mean to you?
  

Prayer: Today, Lord, I yield to your promised will in my life. Amen.