A Christmas List Fulfilled in Christ
For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” And through Christ, our “Amen” (which means “Yes”) ascends to God for His glory. 2 Corinthians 1:20
As we approach the festive season, do you recall the joy of creating a Christmas list in your youth? Those innocent moments when you believed anything was possible, whether you posted your desires to the North Pole or entrusted them to your parents. However, as Christmas morning unfolded, not every wish was granted, and not every item on our lists materialized.
In the spirit of Christmas, let us turn our attention to a list far superior to our childhood wishes—the promises of God found in Scripture. From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible unveils over three thousand promises from God to His people. What distinguishes God's list is that there's no need to prioritise; each promise is significant. As 2 Corinthians 1:20 assures us, all the promises of God find their Yes in Him.
Unwavering Fulfilment
God's promises, unlike our childhood Christmas lists, will never go unfulfilled. Every assurance finds its fulfilment in Christ. Whether it be in the context of His lineage, His birth, or His sacrificial death, Christ meticulously upheld each promise. He is the embodiment of every prophecy, emphasising that through Christmas, we gain certainty that God always fulfils His Word, and with Him, nothing is impossible.
Present Your Desires to God
What is the desire of your heart this Christmas? Is there something so profound that you hesitate to even hope for it? Bring it before God in prayer, trusting Him with your deepest desires. Remember, He desires what's best for us and answers prayers in His perfect time and way.
Can you recall a Christmas wish that went unfulfilled in your childhood?
What holy promises do you seek in your life today?
Is there a desire you've kept from God out of fear? Trust Him with it today.
Indeed, the Sovereign Lord never does anything until He reveals His plans to His servants the prophets. Amos 3:7
God's Revealing Hints
Much like the excitement of loved ones dropping hints about their Christmas wishes, God is the ultimate hint-dropper. He not only hints but, for those willing to listen, reveals His plan outright. The prophets, His faithful servants, were privy to the unfolding details of His grand design.
God, in His infinite wisdom, shared fragments of His plan throughout history. In Jeremiah, witnessing His people in darkness, He whispered, "Don't give up; He's coming." Isaiah was informed of the virgin birth, and these hints paved the way for the perfect gift to the world. Christmas became the fulfilment of God's historical whispers, and His love for us was no secret.
Tuning Our Hearts to God's Hints
Though much remains unknown about the ways of God, His love for us is evident, especially through Christmas. His hints, scattered throughout history, found fulfilment in the manger. As we approach this season, let us tune our hearts to listen for God's holy hints, reassured by Jeremiah 29:11, "For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."
Do you keep the perfect gift a secret or drop hints along the way?
How do you see connections between Isaiah 53 and Jesus' life?
Take a moment to converse with God; is there a hint He may be giving you about your life?
In embracing the promises fulfilled in Christ and recognising the hints God lovingly shares, may this Christmas season be a time of deep reflection, gratitude, and renewed faith. As we celebrate the birth of our Saviour, let us joyfully anticipate the realisation of God's promises in our lives.
