Thoughts from The Bible

Thoughts from the Bible

Wednesday, 11 December 2024 13:10

A Promise Kept
by Cody Anderson Corinth Missionary Baptist Church

Christmas is most often seen as a time of joy and family gatherings. For Christians however, it represents something much deeper. It is a celebration of a promise kept. Long before the advent of the Messiah, prophets spoke of a coming Savior. The birth of Jesus specifically was prophesied hundreds of years before He was actually born. It was not just a random event that God was able to use in the narrative of redeeming humanity. The prophecies are foundational for understanding why Jesus came and why Christmas is a time of celebration and joy.

The Old Testament contains numerous prophecies pointing to the Anointed One who would save His people. Spanning centuries, these prophesies were written by different prophets, each inspired by God to foretell the story of the promised Messiah. The most famous is probably Isaiah 7:14, which was written around 700 years before Jesus’ birth.

It says, “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel,” (ESV). Isaiah’s mention of a virgin conception and the name given him centuries before the event, speaks to the desire God had to dwell with His people. Going all the way back to when fellowship was broken with God, we have the proto-evangelium – the first gospel. Genesis 3 tells of mankind’s fall into sin, and thus separation from their Holy Creator. As God is pronouncing the curse on the serpent, He leaves us with hope. Genesis 3:15 says, “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.” Although we will be at battle with the liar throughout time, the end of evil will come through man. The glimpse of hope is realized fully in the birth, life, death, resurrection and soon return of our Savior.

The prophecy that the savior would come isn’t the only promise we see kept. Micah 5:2 predicts the birthplace of the babe. “But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days,” (ESV). This prophecy narrows down the birthplace to a small, humble, town that would likely not produce any great ruler. Yet in the sovereignty of God, a decree from a secular ruler would put this plan in motion. The earthly parents would be required to travel from their home and be in Bethlehem at the exact time the Anointed One drew His first breath.

Isaiah gives another prophecy that indicates the role of the one born of the virgin. Isaiah 9:6-7 declares, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this,” (ESV). Not only is the Messiah to be human, but also divine, both a child born and Mighty God. The child would be a leader and bring peace, wisdom, justice, and unlike any earthly ruler.
These prophesies were the plan of God, and He sovereignly acted in the lives of mankind to bring about the promises He gave generations ago. The birth, life, death and resurrections of Jesus demonstrates the faithfulness of God and the assurance of the return of our Savior.

This Christmas, focus, prioritize, and reflect on the miraculous fulfillment of the promises of God. These promises echo through time and have meaning today. But they also have eternal significance for those who believe. If you don’t believe, trust in Jesus, embrace the gift of salvation, and you will gain understanding as to the reason for the celebration during this season. God keeps His promises.