The Hidden Gifts of Christmas Part 2 “Promise”

The Hidden Gifts of Christmas Part 2

Promise

Much of the positive spirit connected to Christmas has to do with a heightened sense of promise for life.

Christian holy days are established for the purpose of reminding us and renewing us in our faith.

    1. The promise of renewed goodness in ourselves and in others.        
  • The promise of renewed relationship.  

 

  1. The promise of renewed purpose and motivation.

Genesis 12:1-4

The Call of Abram

12 The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.

“I will make you into a great nation,
    and I will bless you;
I will make your name great,
    and you will be a blessing.[a]
I will bless those who bless you,
    and whoever curses you I will curse;
and all peoples on earth
    will be blessed through you.”[b]

So Abram went, as the Lord had told him; and Lot went with him. Abram was seventy-five years old when he set out from Harran.

God’s promise to Abram was the first promise that was directly meant to be fulfilled with the birth of Christ.

Galatians 3:26-4:7

Christmas isn’t a celebration of something promising that could happen if everything goes as planned and hoped, rather it is a promise fulfilled that must be celebrated.

Through that promise we are blessed with:

  • A redeemer who paid the price to free us from bondage to the destructive patterns of the world.
  • A relationship with God through the presence of the Holy Spirit.
  • An inheritance of an eternity with God.
  • Opening this often hidden gift of promise does not mean that we need to discard all of the things about Christmas that we have found promising.
    • Don’t let the worthy “wrappings” of the season crowd out the deeper promise to be celebrated.
    • Don’t let unworthy distractions lead you away from the true promise.

     

    Only the GOODNESS of God can bring enduring value to the actions of people and that can only happen when we humbly agree that we desperately need Him in our life.

    Don’t get wrapped up with the hype of generosity brought on by seasonal pressures, rather practice the habit of grace and compassion that comes from the goodness of God in our life.

    We strengthen and deepen RELATIONSHIPS as we recognize that Christmas is really about God reaching down to establish a deep and meaningful relationship with US.

    Don’t get wrapped up with the spirit of the season and forget that the true promise is the Spirit of God is drawing us to Himself.

    God’s enduring purpose is lived through the grateful obedience of believers as we behave as heirs of His promise.

    Don’t be distracted by the purpose of self-improvement, rather be motivated by the promise of GOD’S purpose, practicing daily obedience to His call.

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