We begin this second week of advent. Our word for today is "promise."Isaiah 9:
6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.
As we celebrate Christmas this year we must remember that Christ's coming was promised by Old Testament prophets. Israel had waited hundreds of years for this to be fulfilled. Thousands of young Hebrew girls had dreamed about becoming mother to the Christ Child. Many families had hoped it would come to them. But a promise delayed is still a promise kept. And by the way, we cannot force God's hand, that is, we cannot hurry up His timing. It is always right. Paul mentioned that Christ came in the "fullness of time." That simply means that the timing was perfect.
Besides the promise of a Savior, there are thousands of promises God gives to every believer. We must stand on His promises, not try to make them happen. The Bible declares that all the promises of God are wrapped up in Jesus.
2 Cor. 1:20 For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ. And so through him the “Amen” is spoken by us to the glory of God. (NIV)
God has promised to meet our needs, not our wants. God has promised special grace to meet each specific circumstance. God has promised never to leave us alone. The list goes on and on. Since all God's promises are wrapped up in Christ we need to take time to unwrap the package.
I remember back to my childhood when I could hardly wait for Christmas so I could open my gifts. I would often pick them up, shake them, and listen to them with my ear to the package. I would try to guess what was in the beautifully wrapped gift. But on Christmas eve, we opened the packages and found what had been covered up in all that wrapping and ribbons.
When you unwrap this special gift of God and discover the promise you need just say Amen! And Christ will say "yes." Then the promise is yours to claim. If it is not fulfilled in the way you planned or the timing you counted on, Just remember, God's ways and His timing are always right.
Standing on the promises of Christ my Lord
Bound to Him eternally by Love's chord
Overcoming daily by the Spirit's Sword
Standing on the promises of God
DON'T SIT UNDER THE PRESSURE WHEN YOU CAN STAND ON THE PROMISES
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