story of Christmas
The story of Christmas begins long before the manger. It begins with a promise—a golden thread woven through the tapestry of the Old Testament, speaking of a Savior who would descend into the shadows of our world to rescue and redeem. This promise, shimmering with hope and certainty, reveals a God who never forgets His children, no matter how often they forget Him.
a promise of hope
One of the most striking prophecies is found in Isaiah 7:14:
"Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel."
The name *Immanuel* means "God with us." Consider the weight of that declaration. The Almighty Creator, who spoke galaxies into existence, chose to draw near to us in the most intimate and vulnerable way. This truth is a balm for restless hearts: we are not alone. God’s plan was never to remain distant or unapproachable but to weave Himself into the fabric of our lives, restoring what was lost.
In a world brimming with distractions and noise, how often do we forget this astonishing reality? Yet here lies the beauty of His promise—He does not forget us. He remains Immanuel, steadfast and present.
a humble beginning
Micah 5:2 offers another vivid prophecy:
"But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days."
Bethlehem, a quiet and unremarkable town, becomes the stage for the most extraordinary act of history. Isn’t it just like God to choose what the world overlooks? This selection reminds us that His ways are not ours; He delights in exalting the humble and using the small to accomplish the monumental.
As women, we can often wrestle with feelings of inadequacy. But consider this: just as God chose Bethlehem, He chooses us to reflect His glory in ways we might never imagine. The seemingly ordinary moments of our lives can become sacred spaces where His light shines brightest.
a faithful God
These prophecies testify to God’s steadfast love and faithfulness. For centuries, His people clung to these promises through exile, silence, and uncertainty. Such faith is not passive; it is an active and determined trust in the God who never fails to keep His word.
And what of us? Are we not also in a season of waiting—for prayers to be answered, for wounds to heal, for Christ’s return? The same God who fulfilled these ancient promises is at work in our lives, even when the night feels long. He invites us to trust Him, not in blind optimism but in the assurance of His proven faithfulness.
reflecting on His promises
As we approach Christmas, let us marvel at the God who entered history to fulfill His word. These prophecies are not mere ancient texts; they are living reminders of His love and His power to accomplish the impossible.
Let us, then, prepare our hearts with the reverence of those who have glimpsed the majesty of the King. May our gratitude and wonder grow as we reflect on the fulfillment of these promises, finding comfort and courage in the knowledge that the same God who came to us as a child will come again in glory.