Christmas is the celebration of the keeping of a promise . . . A saving promise.
From Luke 2:8-11: Now in that same region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, for see, I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.'”
Michael Card (born 1957) is an American singer and songwriter. He is best known for his contemporary Christian music. He has also authored several books.
Pride, fear, resentment, and habit are all tough evidences of the flesh. But those who are being shaped into the image of Christ do not go the way of the flesh.
From 1 Timothy 4:7-8: “Train yourself in godliness, for, while physical training is of some value, godliness is valuable in every way, holding promise for both the present life and the life to come.”
The confession of the thief on the cross was both a first and final one. But . . . Christ received it. Maybe you never heard your loved one confess Christ, but who’s to say Christ didn’t?
From 2 Peter 3:9: “The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance.”
Someday we will stand before God. We will need a living Redeemer, whose nail-pierced hands hold our salvation.
From Galatians 3:13-14: “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, ‘Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree’—in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the gentiles, so that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.”
Charles Swindoll (born 1934) is an American pastor and Christian author. With a long career in pastoral ministry and authorship of over 70 books, he has become one of America’s most valued Christian teachers.
Big Sky Buckeye 