Christmas,

The Promise of Love

 

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.”  John 3:16

Sounds like a pretty amazing promise, doesn’t it? “Whoever believes in Him shall not perish….”  

Yes, this promise sounds amazing because it is.

Christmas, the promise of love.

I remember a time when I was promised some pretty important things, but the “promiser” failed, and failed miserably. The words “love forever” and “never leave you” were vows broken, leaving only shattered hearts.

And if I was honest, I would say that there have been times when I haven’t delivered on what was promised. Yes, guilty.

 

I have learned that a promise is really only as good as the “promiser”.

The only one I have ever found to keep all of His promises is God.

Yes, He is the Promiser that never fails.  

 

Thousands of years ago, out of an everlasting love for you and me, He made a promise.

 He promised the greatest gift of all.

Out of love for us, He promised a King, Priest, Savior, Deliverer, a Messiah.   

As a matter of fact, the Old Testament records over eight prophecies, promises, of Jesus’ birth alone. 

All fulfilled.    (see notes)

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son…”

What greater love is there than this? Who greater of a “promiser” than God?

 

Christmas, as we celebrate the birth of Christ, we have the opportunity to recognize this great promise of love. To celebrate not just the promise, but the “Promiser”.  

In these last few weeks of Advent, we remember that: 

Our hope is only as valid as the object in which we place it. (Christmas: The Promise of Hope)

Our peace is only as sure as the One who secured it. (Christmas: The Promise of Peace) 

Our joy is only as lasting as the Source that supplies it. (Christmas: The Promise of Joy)  

And our love is only as great as the One who provided the greatest Love of all, God.  

Here at Christmas, this is still His promise of love to us, the promise breakers:  

“….that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16

(Notes: Jesus’ Birth)

 

Prophecy                                     Fulfilled

   Genesis 12:2                           Acts 3:25-26

  Genesis 17:19                         Romans 9

  Genesis 28:14                         Luke 3:34

 Genesis 49:10                         Luke 3:33

  2 Samuel 7:12-13                    Matthew 1:1

  Isaiah 7:14                               Luke 1:35

  Hosea 11:1                              Matthew 2:14-15

  Micah 5:2                                Matthew 2:4-6

 Merry Christmas! Jeanna

#nowuntohimwhoisable