A Promise Kept

It is a wonderful time of year where lights and decorations abound in every color and size. Children anticipate Christmas morning with presents under the tree. Adults await the culmination of activity leading up to Christmas Day, and the peace that settles over the world recognizing the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ. Years ago, Israel waited for the promise of a Messiah. God promised them that He would send a Deliverer who would restore their relationship with Him by taking away the sins of the world. The Israelites read about the prophecy of a Messiah for years in the Old Testament. Finally, the New Testament revealed that the Promise from God to send a Messiah was truly kept through the birth of Jesus Christ. His promise now included all who would seek Him. John 3:16 tells us about that promise and proclaims how much God loves us: "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Begotten Son that whoever believes in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life." We can all rejoice that God kept His promise as we celebrate Christmas. The word "Christ" means the Anointing (or the Anointed One and His Anointing). The suffix "-mas" means celebration. We can rejoice that Christmas is really the "Anointing Celebration" of a promise kept by God. Hallelujah!