Reflecting on the promises of Christmas

The season in which we celebrate the birth of the Lord Jesus Christ is upon us, and every year I find myself returning to the precious promises God gave us about Jesus before He was even born. As I think about His birth, I feel compelled to reflect on these promises and share them with anyone willing to listen. The world is in desperate need of the hope they offer.

The first and most prominent promise appears in Matthew chapter one as the angel reassures Joseph that the child was conceived of the Holy Ghost. In verse 21, we read, “And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.” God knows that we need something far greater than ourselves to merit heaven. Romans 3:23 tells us, “All have sinned and come short of the glory of God.” Because of this, God Himself had to provide a sacrifice for our sin—and Jesus was that sacrifice. While first-century Jews expected a Messiah who would establish a kingdom, God sent a servant who became our sacrifice.

Even though Jesus died on the cross to pay for our sins, Scripture gives us another promise in Luke 1:32, where the angel Gabriel says, “He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David.” This promise still awaits future fulfillment. But the first promise was fulfilled long ago when Jesus gave Himself for us.

I believe wholeheartedly that faith in Christ alone is the only way we can be truly saved. In John 14:6, Jesus says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh to the Father, but by me.” If you are relying on anything other than sincere faith in the Lord Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of sins and your salvation, I encourage you to pause—even now—and trust in the promise of God. Jesus will save you from your sin if you place your faith fully in Him.

Pastor Dave Powell Carrollton Baptist Temple