The Precious Promise

But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah; for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.  Matthew 2:6

Hello dear friends.  The month of December has arrived.  We become so busy during the Christmas season that we tend to forget the true meaning of the season.  Search your heart and ask yourself – why am I celebrating Christmas?  We say we are celebrating the birth of our Savior, but have we become too caught up in the materialism that is rampant at this time of the year? Have we filled our days with parties, meals, and gifts which we have allowed to over shadow the true meaning of Christmas?  I encourage you to take the time to reflect upon the birth of the Promise One, our Savior and LORD. 

Hundreds of years before the birth of the Messiah, God revealed in the book of Micah that Jesus would be born in Bethlehem.  God reveals to us in His Word that this child, the Messiah would come into the world and live as a man.  But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times – Micah 5:2.  Not only did God reveal to us that the Messiah would live as a man but that Jesus is eternal – “from of old, from ancient times.”  Can you imagine the anticipation of the Israelites as they waited and watched for the Messiah to be born?  Many were looking for a military and political deliverer.  They did not grasp that Jesus, the Messiah was coming to save the world from sin.  The religious leaders, who watched with great anticipation and hope for the birth of the Messiah, became His greatest enemies.  These religious leaders did not recognize the Messiah.  Friend do you recognize the Messiah?  Do you recognize that Jesus is the Messiah, the Savior of the world?  Have you accepted Jesus as your Savior and LORD?

In the book of Isaiah, God promised hope.   This hope was fulfilled through the birth of the Messiah and the establishment of His eternal kingdom.  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 Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.  Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.  He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.  The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this – Isaiah 9:6-7.  During this Christmas season, take the time to reflect and thank the LORD for sending His son, the Messiah to deliver you from your slavery in sin. 

We find in the book of Isaiah that the Messiah is referred to as Wonderful Counselor.  Take comfort in knowing that we can go to Jesus for all our needs.  He desires for us to ask and seek Him for the plans and directions He has preordained for our lives.  Our Jesus, the Messiah has wonderful advice for us.  Are you willing to listen?  Isaiah 28:29 – All this also comes from the LORD Almighty, whose plan is wonderful, whose wisdom is magnificent.  Seek the LORD’s wisdom.  God’s Word plainly tells us His plan is wonderful and His wisdom is magnificent. 

God reveals to us that the Messiah is God Himself and that He is the Everlasting Father – He is eternal.  God reveals to us in His Word that the Messiah is the Prince of Peace.  His government is one of justice and peace.  You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you – Isaiah 26:3.  Friend, do you desire peace?  Keep your mind focused on Christ, the Messiah.  Continue to seek after Jesus.  He will provide the peace that reaches deep into your soul, even in the middle of chaotic circumstances. 

Not only did God tell us about the promised Messiah many years before Jesus’ birth, but God reveals to us that He will set up His kingdom and it will never be destroyed.  Friend if you have accepted Jesus as your Savior and LORD, your citizenship is in this eternal kingdom.  The God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed, nor will it be left to another people.  It will crush all those kingdoms and bring them to an end, but it will itself endure forever – Daniel 2:44.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Jesus.  During this Christmas season, help us to truly celebrate the birth of the Savior of the world.  I pray our focus will be on you sweet Jesus.  Provide us with the wisdom and peace that only You can truly give.  In Jesus Precious Name I Pray…..Amen.