Promises are a common thread in human relationships. We make promises to our friends, family, colleagues, and even to ourselves. Yet, it is no secret that we often fail to keep them. Changes in circumstances, wavering feelings, or sheer forgetfulness can lead to broken promises, leaving disappointment in their wake.
But what if we consider promises from a divine perspective? Unlike humans, God’s promises are unfailing. His faithfulness stands unshaken, and His word is eternal. This truth is vividly demonstrated in the most significant promise ever made—the promise of a Saviour.
The story begins in the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve’s disobedience brought sin into the world, severing their perfect relationship with God. It was a moment of despair, yet amidst the darkness, God spoke words of hope and redemption. In Genesis 3:15, He declared:
"And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel."
This was the first promise of a Redeemer—a promise that God would send someone to defeat sin and restore what was lost. It was a declaration that despite humanity’s failure, God’s love and plan for redemption would prevail.
Over the centuries, God continued to reaffirm His promise through the prophets He raised. Each generation witnessed God’s messengers warning of the consequences of disobedience while pointing to the hope of salvation. Isaiah, for instance, spoke vividly of the coming 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).
Micah foretold the Savior’s birthplace in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2), and Zechariah described Him as a humble king riding on a donkey (Zechariah 9:9). These prophetic words were not merely predictions; they were divine reassurances that God’s promise remained intact despite human rebellion.
At the perfect time, God’s promise was fulfilled. Jesus Christ, born of a virgin in Bethlehem, came into the world to save humanity from sin. He lived a sinless life, teaching about God’s kingdom, healing the brokenhearted, and demonstrating unparalleled love. Ultimately, He bore the punishment for sin on the cross, offering redemption to all who believe in Him.
The Apostle Paul captures this fulfillment beautifully in Galatians 4:4-5:
“But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to sonship.”
God’s faithfulness in keeping His promise reminds us of His unchanging nature. Numbers 23:19 says: “God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?”
Unlike us, God does not break His promises. His love is steadfast, and His word is trustworthy. The fulfillment of His promise in Jesus assures us that we can rely on Him in every area of our lives.
Christmas is the celebration of God’s promise fulfilled. It is not merely a festive season or a time for exchanging gifts; it is a moment to remember and rejoice in the birth of Jesus Christ, the Saviour of the world. Every carol sung, every light lit, and every nativity scene displayed points back to that miraculous night in Bethlehem when God’s promise took on flesh and dwelt among us.
As Christians, our attitude during Christmas should be one of gratitude and reflection. Gratitude for God’s unwavering faithfulness and His gift of salvation, and reflection on how we can live in light of this fulfilled promise. It is a time to renew our commitment to Him, to walk in His ways, and to share the message of hope with others.
In a world where promises are often broken, God’s faithfulness stands as a beacon of hope. His promise to send a Saviour was kept, not because of humanity’s worthiness, but because of His unchanging love and grace. Through Jesus Christ, we see the ultimate fulfillment of God’s word, a reminder that His promises are yes and amen.
Let us hold fast to this truth and celebrate the God who always keeps His promises. And as we celebrate Christmas, let it be with hearts full of joy, gratitude, and a renewed resolve to live in the light of God’s incredible gift.
