Day 2. God’s Promise

This entry is part 3 of 23 in the series A Christmas Story Devotional

“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). Matthew 1:23

This is the promise we’re looking at today, that God has promised to come and be with us.

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23

In the Old Testament the actual word for promise is not used, but instead God speaks, says and swears. In the New Testament the word promise is used 62 times, and “relates to what is good, desirable, and that which blesses and enriches.” [1] We can learn about the plans and promises of God as we read the Bible. They are numerous, unconditional, for all generations and are summed up in His Word to communicate the blessings He has for all people. Often we are not happy with God’s timing, or we think He has forgotten His promises, but we must remember that we don’t have His heavenly view, and must be patient. Prayer is always a good thing to do while we wait.

But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. 2 Peter 3:8-9

His promises are all we need. They are gifts, given graciously and fulfilled.

His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature. 2 Peter 1:3-4a

The ‘Promised One’ has come to dwell with us.

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 increase 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. Isaiah 9:6-7

Because Jesus came, have been redeemed…and our futures are secured by an eternal inheritance.

For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant. Hebrews 9:15.

God’s promises are unfailing and will be fulfilled.

“Now I am about to go the way of all the earth. You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the LORD your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed.” Joshua 23:14

God’s promise is greater than anything the world could possibly provide and does not require us to have attained anything. We need only come to him and believe, with a yes in our hearts and minds that leads us to obey and be made holy.

For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. 2 Corinthians 1:20

Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God. 2 Corinthians 7:1

Amen!

Print this post by clicking on the green ‘printer friendly’ bar below, and write your answers to these questions.

Question (feel free to journal your answer here) Why do you suppose God would bother to come to be with us? What is your response to this gift? How has God been with you today?

Your prayer (feel free to write your prayer here)

Holding on to the Promise with you,

Laurie