“But the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary; you have found favor with God. 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you are to call him Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end.” Luke 1.30-33
Every first time parent believes their kids are the cutest, the smartest, the best. And they should. This is how God made us — to love our kids above all us. But in the case of Jesus, it was actually true!
We don’t know much about the physical appearance of Jesus but we do know the expectations for his life were huge. Just listen to what the Bible says about him – “He will be great…..he will be called the Son of the Most High….he will be given the throne of David…he will reign over Jacobs descendant forever….his kingdom will never end.” Jesus had a lot to live up to!
Jesus was and is the fulfillment of all of God’s promises. His promises from the Old Covenant to the New — His promise to save the people, to redeem them, to never leave them. His promises to deliver them from their enemies, to establish their reign and rule forever. Jesus is the Messiah and is the answer to all of his parent God’s hopes and dreams. What Jesus does, once and for all, is to secure our place in God’s Kingdom. He eradicates our sins, brings purpose and a plan to our lives, and makes us right with God. Through Jesus every one of God’s promises are “yes and amen,” (2 Cor. 1.20).
Christmas has come! Two thousand years ago God sent his son on a star-filled night, with shepherds in the field, angels in the heavens, and magi bearing gifts. He came into the world to a virgin and a faithful Jewish father who just so happened to be the descendant of the House of David. (Check out this list of fulfilled promises made by God regarding the Messiah that came true in the person of Jesus — https://www.jesusfilm.org/blog/old-testament-prophecies/).
(No really….go to the link and just read a few of these promises….I will wait!)
God’s answer to the sins of humanity was Jesus. But Jesus didn’t only die for our sins, he lived so we might have abundant life while on earth and eternal life when we die. He came to give us a hope and a purpose, a life full of love, wonder and grace.
As Christmas comes and goes as quickly as Walmart begins to mark down holiday items by 50%, so our world will move on. I’ve already heard many “Happy New Years” and it’s only one day after Christmas! But my challenge to us all is to not let this season slip away so quickly. Christmastide in the Christian calendar actually lasts twelve days after Christmas until January 5. What we celebrated on December 25 will and should continue for days to come as we embrace Christ as our Messiah, our Hope, our Life.
Have you said YES to Jesus? Have you made him Savior of your life? Don’t miss another day of living a part from God’s promises. Turn to him and allow the fulfillment of God’s promises in Jesus to become true in your experience this day.
“O Lord God, the whole world stops to celebrate your good news. Thank you for sending Jesus. Thank you for the hope that he brings. Thank you for awakening me to your love almost four decades ago! When I was lost and alone, you came to me. Save me! Redeem me! Heal me! Fill me with your presence and love. For you are good and your love endures forever.” Amen