A Promise Fulfilled

A Promise Fulfilled

(Luke 2:1-20)

Yearly Theme:  “Kindness is… Atonement”

Series Title:  “The Kindest Gesture the World Has Ever Known”

December 24^th, 2023 (Christmas Eve)

Something to think about:

“There are approximately 8,810 promises in the entire Bible.  In the Old Testament, there are 7,706, and in the New Testament, there are 1,104 wonderful promises. Deuteronomy 28 has 133 promises, more than any other chapter in the Bible.  According to Vance Havner, ‘We’re sitting on the premises when we ought to be standing on the promises!’”[1]

Jesus’ birth fulfilled a promise in the making since the beginning of time.  Not only the Jews, but all peoples at all times throughout human history had awaited this one moment in time, whether they realized it or not.  From the moment of the Fall in Genesis 3 to that one fateful night in the small town of Bethlehem in Judea some 2000 years ago, the world waited in great anticipation for a Savior.  And how GOD orchestrated this moment in time is wonderful and significant.

Let’s take a closer look:

Turn in your Bible to:  Luke 2:1-20

Key Point:  “GOD sent Jesus to fulfill the promise He had made so very long ago.”

How do we know that Jesus’ birth is the fulfillment of a promise from GOD?  Let’s take a look… 

• Eve’s  .

Genesis 3:15 (NLT).  ¹⁵ And I will cause hostility between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring.  He will strike your head, and you will strike his heel.”

• Abraham’s  .

Genesis 12:1-3 (NLT),  ¹ The Lord had said to Abram, “Leave your native country, your relatives, and your father’s family, and go to the land that I will show you. ² I will make you into a great nation. I will bless you and make you famous, and you will be a blessing to others. ³ I will bless those who bless you and curse those who treat you with contempt. All the families on earth will be blessed through you.”

• GOD’s  .

Luke 2:11-12 (NLT),  ¹¹ The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!  ¹² And you will recognize him by this sign:  You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger.”

Something to take home:

When promises are made they are meant to be kept, but not all promises are kept by all people, at all times, and in all circumstances.  However, GOD’s promises never fail.  At just the right time in human history, GOD sent His one and only Son into the world as a baby born to the Virgin Mary in the small town of Bethlehem in Judea.  What seemed like a strange way to fulfill a promise became the most perfect way of all.  No matter how many times humans failed Him, GOD still came through.  No matter how unfaithful we are, GOD remains faithful and true and extends the promise of salvation through Jesus to us today for those who would receive it. 

As a commitment to that promise, as our ushers come forward, would you be willing to partake of the body and the blood of Christ in communion, and thus pledge your life to Him today?

Key Point:  “GOD sent Jesus to fulfill the promise He had made so very long ago.”

[1] Encyclopedia of Illustrations, #4612.