Christmas: The Promised Messiah Has Come Series

CHRISTMAS: THE PROMISED MESSIAH HAS COME

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Luke 2:25-32

Key Verse:

“For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which thou hast prepared before the face of all people.” (Luke 2:30-31)

Supporting Texts: Isaiah 7:14; Isaiah 9:6-7; Micah 5:2; Matthew 1:21-23; Galatians 4:4-5; John 1:14

Description:

Christmas celebrates the fulfilment of God’s ancient promise through the arrival of the long-awaited Messiah.

INTRODUCTION

Christmas is far more than a festive season; it is the divine announcement that God has kept His promise to humanity. From the garden of Eden through the prophetic ages, God consistently pointed to a coming Redeemer who would restore what sin destroyed. The birth of Jesus Christ marks the climax of that promise.

For centuries, Israel waited in hope, prayer, and expectation for the Messiah. Prophets spoke, kings longed, and righteous men searched the Scriptures for the day when salvation would appear. That long expectation found its fulfilment not in a palace, but in a manger.

The coming of the Promised Messiah assures us that God is faithful to His word. Christmas reminds believers that delays do not cancel divine promises, and what God has spoken, He will surely bring to pass in His appointed time.

1. THE MESSIAH WAS PROMISED LONG BEFORE HIS BIRTH

God’s redemptive plan did not begin in Bethlehem; it was conceived in eternity and revealed progressively through prophecy. The birth of Christ is proof that God’s promises are intentional, detailed, and trustworthy.

a) The promise of a virgin-born Saviour (Isaiah 7:14)

God declared the supernatural nature of the Messiah’s birth, showing that salvation would come by divine intervention and not human effort.

b) The promise of a divine and eternal King (Isaiah 9:6–7)

The Messiah was revealed as both child and ruler, combining humility with everlasting authority.

c) The promise of the Messiah’s birthplace (Micah 5:2)

God specified Bethlehem to confirm His sovereignty and accuracy in fulfilling prophecy.

d) The promise of salvation from sin (Matthew 1:21)

The Messiah’s mission was clearly defined as deliverance from sin, not political domination.

Biblical Example:

The prophetic writings of Isaiah consistently pointed to a suffering yet victorious Messiah who would redeem humanity.

2. THE MESSIAH CAME AT GOD’S APPOINTED TIME

The arrival of Jesus was neither accidental nor late; it occurred precisely when God ordained. Divine timing ensures maximum impact and fulfilment of purpose.

a) God works according to divine seasons (Galatians 4:4)

The Messiah arrived when the world was spiritually ripe for redemption.

b) God’s timing fulfils multiple prophecies at once (Luke 2:1-7)

Political decrees unknowingly aligned to accomplish God’s eternal plan.

c) God’s timing silences doubt and confusion (Habakkuk 2:3)

What seemed delayed was actually divinely prepared.

d) God’s timing releases salvation to all people (Luke 2:10-11)

The Messiah’s birth was announced as good news for all humanity.

Biblical Example:

Simeon waited faithfully and lived to see the Messiah, proving that patient faith is always rewarded.

3. THE MESSIAH REVEALED GOD IN HUMAN FORM

The coming of Jesus was God stepping into human history. Christmas reveals not a distant deity, but a present and personal God.

a) God became flesh to dwell among men (John 1:14)

The incarnation shows God’s desire for relationship, not separation.

b) The Messiah revealed God’s character (John 14:9)

Through Jesus, humanity saw the compassion, holiness, and love of God.

c) The Messiah identified with human weakness (Hebrews 4:15)

Jesus experienced humanity fully, yet without sin.

d) The Messiah bridged the gap between God and man (1 Timothy 2:5)

Christ became the divine mediator restoring broken fellowship.

Biblical Example:

Jesus’ interaction with sinners demonstrated God’s mercy and willingness to restore the lost.

4. THE MESSIAH BROUGHT SALVATION AND HOPE TO THE WORLD

The promise of the Messiah was not only about birth, but about redemption, transformation, and eternal life.

a) Salvation was made visible to all nations (Luke 2:30-32)

The Messiah’s coming transcended ethnic and cultural boundaries.

b) Hope replaced despair through Christ (Isaiah 61:1-3)

Jesus brought healing, restoration, and joy to broken lives.

c) Freedom came through the Messiah’s mission (John 8:36)

Christ’s work delivers from sin, fear, and bondage.

d) Eternal life was secured through the Messiah (John 3:16)

God’s ultimate gift through Christ guarantees everlasting life.

Biblical Example:

The shepherds’ encounter with Jesus transformed them into joyful witnesses of God’s salvation.

CONCLUSION

Christmas is the celebration of fulfilled prophecy and divine faithfulness. The Promised Messiah has come, not as an idea, but as a living Saviour who walked among men and revealed the heart of God. His birth confirms that God never forgets His promises.

As believers, we are called to respond with faith, obedience, and worship. The coming of the Messiah invites us to embrace salvation, walk in hope, and live as carriers of the light Christ brought into the world.