Despite what some people say, promises are not meant to be broken. In fact, we look to God for all truth, and He is one to always keeps His promises! What a comfort this is in a world that’s otherwise unstable in its guarantees.
One example of God’s promises came to us in the form of a baby boy named Jesus. The prophet Isaiah wrote about the coming of this Promised Messiah: “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).
This prophecy came at least 700 years prior to Jesus’ birth. That’s a long time to wait for a promise! But how amazing it is that everything came about exactly as God had planned—as He had promised. This gives us hope for God’s continued assurances in our lives, too!
Think of some promises God wants you to experience this Christmas season:
Joy. “The joy of the LORD is my strength” (Nehemiah 8:10).
Peace. “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give to you” (John 14:27).
Hope. “The LORD delights in those who fear him, who put their hope in his unfailing love” (Psalm 147:11).
Of these three words, choose one and claim it as a promise for God to bring about in your life this coming year. Share this promise with your family and a specific way you’re praying for it to happen—such as, “I’m looking for God’s promise of joy in my work for the coming year.” Or, “I’m believing God to help me have more peace and less stress in my friendships at school.” Another might be, “I trust that God will give me hope as I trust Him to provide for our family next year.”
Now, this Christmas season truly believe that you can trust our faithful God to follow through with His promises! He keeps His word in every way, and shows kindness to those who love Him and keep His Laws (Deuteronomy 7:9).
Apply this same principle to your life by following God’s example. How can you do this? By keeping your promises in the coming year: to love and cherish your spouse, to serve the Lord with gladness, to raise your children in the ways of the Lord, to honor your parents, to show kindness to others, and so many other ways! This is how you can grasp the promises of God made possible through His Son, Jesus, this holiday season.