The Promise of Christmas: Finding Joy in God's Faithfulness

As the holiday season approaches, we often find ourselves caught up in the hustle and bustle of decorations, gift-giving, and festive gatherings. But amidst all the celebration, it's easy to overlook the true significance of Christmas. This year, let's take a moment to reflect on the reason for the season and the incredible promises it represents.

The story of Christ's birth, as recounted in Luke 2, is one you may have heard countless times. Yet, as one wise pastor once prayed, "Lord, this message that we are about to receive will not be new for any of us, but thank you that your word never grows old." Indeed, there's always something fresh to discover in this timeless narrative.

God the Promise-Keeper

As we revisit the familiar tale of Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem, we're struck by the seeming ordinariness of the events. A census decree, a long journey, no room at the inn – these hardly seem like the ingredients for a world-changing moment. Yet, hidden within these simple details are profound revelations of God's faithfulness to His promises.

Three key promises stand out in the Christmas story:

1. The Promise of a Messiah: For centuries, prophets had foretold the coming of a savior. Isaiah spoke of one who would be "pierced for our transgressions" and bring healing through His wounds. Micah proclaimed a shepherd who would bring peace and security to His people.
   
   
2. The Davidic Covenant: God had promised David that the Messiah would come from his lineage and establish an eternal kingdom. This promise echoes through the generations, finding its fulfillment in Jesus.
   
   
3. The Birthplace of Bethlehem: Micah's prophecy pinpointed this small town as the birthplace of the coming ruler, a prediction precisely fulfilled in Jesus' birth.

As we ponder these promises, we're reminded that our God is not only a promise-maker but a promise-keeper. He works in ways we often can't foresee or understand, using even the decrees of foreign rulers to bring about His perfect plan.

Good News, Great Joy

The night of Jesus' birth, as shepherds watched their flocks, they became witnesses to an extraordinary heavenly proclamation. An angel appeared, declaring "good news of great joy for all people," followed by a multitude of the heavenly host praising God. This cosmic celebration stands in stark contrast to the humble surroundings of a newborn lying in a manger.

This juxtaposition of the divine and the ordinary carries a powerful message for us today. The peace and joy proclaimed by the angels aren't just lofty ideals – they're tangible realities available to all who embrace Christ. As the Apostle Peter later wrote, though we have not seen Him, we can love Him and "rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory."

In a world often marked by broken promises and shattered dreams, the enduring faithfulness of God stands as a beacon of hope. Like a lighthouse standing firm amidst crashing waves, the peace offered through Christ can withstand any storm life may bring. This is not a superficial happiness, but a deep-seated joy rooted in the assurance of God's unfailing love and sovereign care.

It's no wonder, then, that we're seeing a resurgence of interest in the Bible, even in secular circles. People are recognizing that the things they've built their lives upon – careers, wealth, relationships – often fail to deliver lasting fulfillment. They're searching for something more solid, more true.

Living in Light of God's Promises

As believers, we're invited to participate in the thrill of God's promises. This isn't a passive experience, but one that calls us to action. Like the shepherds who rushed to see the newborn king, or Mary who treasured these events in her heart, we too are called to respond to God's faithfulness with our own acts of faith.

So how can we live out these promises in our daily lives? Here are four practical suggestions:

1. Keep God's promises fresh in your mind. Regularly engage with Scripture, reminding yourself of God's faithfulness in the past and His promises for the future.
   
   
2. Enjoy the benefits of His promises. Allow the peace and joy offered through Christ to permeate your life, especially during challenging times.
   
   
3. Move into faithful action. Don't just be a hearer of the word, but a doer. Look for ways to share God's love and promises with others, especially those who may be struggling during the holiday season.
   
   
4. Experience the thrill of being used by God. There's no greater joy than seeing God work through you to make an impact in others' lives.

In a world that often feels chaotic and unpredictable, we can anchor ourselves in the certainty of God's promises. Just as He was faithful to bring about the miraculous birth of His Son, He remains faithful to each of us today. As we embrace this truth, may we be filled with a joy that overflows, touching the lives of those around us with the good news of God's love.

This Christmas, let's move beyond the surface-level celebrations and dive deep into the richness of God's promises. The baby in the manger is the fulfillment of age-old promises, a testament to God's unwavering faithfulness. He is the source of true peace, lasting joy, and unshakeable hope. In Christ, we find not just the fulfillment of ancient prophecies, but a living hope for our present and future. May this realization propel us into lives of active faith, reflecting the light of God's promises to a world in need of His enduring love.

After earning a BA in Business Finance from Cal State Fullerton, Micah Guy spent several years working in the corporate world.   However, he obtained an M.Div. from Talbot Theological Seminary in the shift to full-time ministry and has worked at South Shores Church since 2011.  He is married to his high school sweetheart, Kamden, and they have four children. Micah loves the challenge of athletics, although his little boy dreams of professional sports never materialized. He also holds to the belief real chocolate doesn't exist below 72%.