The Promise for You

But when the fullness of the time came, God sent
His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law, so
that He might redeem those who were under the Law,
that we might receive the adoption as sons and daughters.
Because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son
into our hearts, crying out, “Abba! Father!” Therefore
you are no longer a slave, but a son; and if a son,
then an heir through God.
(Galatians 4:4-7 NASB)

Christmas is the story of a star shining bright, a name declared in joy, a manger humbly waiting, and a promise given freely. Yes, it is the story of what happened on a bright, starlit night some two thousand years ago in the village of Bethlehem, but it also is the story of what is happening right now, right were we are. It is a story filled with wonder.

It is a story of wonder that the Author of Creation, who breathed life into beings made in God’s image, desires a relationship with us. It is a story of wonder that because our relationship was broken by sin, God came to earth so that the relationship could be restored. It is a story of wonder that God was willing to give everything so that we can be with God now and forever.

Once we believe in the wonder of Christmas, anything is possible! Knowing that we matter to the God who created the universe and who loves each one of us personally reassures us that “with God all things are possible” (Matthew 19:26).

Many years after the angel appeared to the shepherds over Bethlehem, another angel appeared to the Apostle John with a holy vision:

Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the former
heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the
sea was no more. I saw the holy city, New Jerusalem,
coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a
bride beautifully dressed for her husband. I heard a loud
voice from the throne say, “Look! God’s dwelling is here
with humankind. He will dwell with them, and they will
be his peoples. God himself will be with them as their
God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death
will be no more. There will be no mourning, crying, or pain
anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
Then the one seated on the throne said, “Look! I’m
making all things new.” He also said, “Write this down,
for these words are trustworthy and true.” Then he said
to me, “All is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the
beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will freely give
water from the life-giving spring.”
(Revelation 21:1-6 CEB)

The wonder of Christmas is that God fulfilled his promise to come for God’s people, and God continues to pursue us. God is continually working in and through us, transforming us and making us new. A star, a name, a manger, a promise. Immanuel, God with us.

Prayer Focus
Thank the Lord for the promise to be Immanuel, God with us–today, tomorrow, and forever. Ask for a heart that can celebrate and live in the light of this great gift today and every day.

From Rob Renfroe and Ed Robb, The Wonder of Christmas: Devotions for the Season