Dear Friend,
When I was a young girl, our home was filled with rich Christmas traditions. From the decorations and food to family and activities, each memory is dear to my heart. I can still recall the aroma of my mother’s sweet potato soufflé drifting through the house and the scent of fresh-cut pine filling our living room.
These cherished memories prepare my heart to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas, the day when God gave this world the greatest gift of all—His Son, Jesus Christ.
There was no stress that day in Bethlehem’s manger. No one rushed about to make sure the greeting cards were sent or the decorations were put up just right. The sole focus on that first Christmas was a precious baby in the arms of His mother. That baby brought the greatest joy of all: salvation to the world.
As you read this devotional, I hope that you will take a moment to quiet your heart from the busyness and demands of this season and let the Lord speak to you. I pray that you will respond in praise to Him this holiday season—the way the shepherds and wise men did: “They rejoiced exceedingly with great joy … and they fell down and worshiped him” (Matthew 2:10–11).
Merry Christmas!
Cissie Graham Lynch
Week 1: Victory in Jesus
Week 2: Rejoicing in God’s promises
Week 3: Understanding who Jesus is
Week 4: Sing praises to God
Week 2: Rejoicing in God’s Promises
Too often Christmas becomes a time when we overcommit ourselves to a never-ending “to-do list.” We make promises to our families, friends, and co-workers—promises that often become burdens. From decorating, shopping, wrapping gifts, attending parties, making cookies, planning activities for the kids, and cooking, we run ourselves down physically, mentally, and emotionally. We wonder, will it ever end?
We make so many promises during the holidays that we forget the promises God gave in Scripture and His fulfilled promise that we celebrate during this season.
In Genesis 12:2–3, God makes His first promise to Abraham, known as the Abrahamic Covenant:
And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.
The word covenant simply means an agreement. God made an agreement with His people through Abraham.
The Lord promises a “great nation” to Abraham and goes on to promise Abraham that he will be a “blessing.” Abraham’s descendants certainly became a great nation, as evidenced by the genealogy found in Matthew 1:1–17. Through the lineage of Abraham, God blessed this world with the birth of His Son, Jesus Christ, the Messiah.
In Genesis 22:17–18, He reaffirms His promise:
I will surely bless you, and I will surely multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore. And your offspring shall possess the gate of his enemies, and in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice.
Throughout Scripture, God continues to make promises to His people. This week, read and rejoice in the promises God has made to those who love Him.
What promises that God made through Scripture can you see fulfilled in your own life?
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, I pray that You steady my path and slow my pace. Allow me to stay focused on Your unfailing love and enable me to share that love for others through my thoughts, words, and actions. God, help me to cling to Your promises today and every day.
More Prophecy Readings for Week 2
Deuteronomy 4:29–31
Psalm 103:8–14
Isaiah 57:15
Luke 18:29–30
John 14:1–3
John 14:27
Romans 5:1
Romans 8:38–39
Do you have the hope of Christ this holiday season? Start a relationship with the Savior of the world.
Cissie Graham Lynch is the daughter of Franklin Graham and granddaughter of Billy Graham. She is a ministry spokesperson for Samaritan’s Purse and the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. Cissie and her husband, Corey, have two children and live in Florida.
DOWNLOAD THE FULL ADVENT DEVOTIONAL SERIES
Give To Where Most Needed
