Heralding Faithfulness from a Manger

The lights, the tree, the presents—Christmas has become one of the most commercialized holidays on our calendar. But despite the increased secularization of Christmas, the joy during this time of year is most truly felt when we are reminded that we have received the ultimate gift: the Son of God Himself.

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

As family members of God, we feel the joy of giving to, and blessing, others. As grateful as we are for what God has done, we can be even more encouraged by what Christmas points to and teaches us. The reality of Christmas proclaims the truth of God’s love, eliciting far more than just a time of reflection on something wonderful that happened long ago.

The fact that we celebrate Christmas says more about our heavenly Father than our appreciation for tradition. What was recorded as a promise from God in Genesis became a reality and was recorded for us to read about in the Gospels.

God Almighty made a promise:

“And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel.” (Genesis 3:15)

Then He kept that promise:

“So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: ‘Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,’ which is translated, ‘God with us.’” (Matthew 1:22–23)

It would be an understatement to say this was a defining moment.

But Christmas also highlights an often overlooked truth that we can hold onto until our faith becomes sight. Just as God promised the overwhelming victory and arrival of His Son, He also promised the second coming of His Son, who will bring an end to sin, death, and the works of the enemy.

The One who kept His promise and made Christmas our reality, will fulfill all of His promises.

“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; and the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of is government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.” (Isaiah 9:6–7)

Our Lord is faithful and true. When we’re in need of health, He will prevail. When we’re desperately seeking restoration, He will restore. When things in our world look chaotic, we can stay in a place of rest, knowing He will bring peace and order.

Ultimately, the words prophesied by Isaiah will be our reality. Our great victor—who came in the form of a baby to a Jewish couple—will come again as King to restore all things.

This year, as we look forward to celebrating Christmas with our loved ones, we can rest in knowing that just as we celebrate the birth of our Savior, we will celebrate the return of our Savior. This is the truth.

“Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory . . . look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near.” (Luke 21:27–28)