Happy Sabbath, friends! It is officially my favorite time of year – Christmas. This season has always held a special place in my heart because it reminds us that God sent His Son to this earth not only to give us an example, but to save us from our sins. This month, I’m planning a Christmas series made up of 4-5 messages that walk through different parts of the story of Jesus’ birth. Today’s message begins with the promise of the Messiah.

Many people believe the Christmas story appears only in the Gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John – but the story of Jesus’ birth was foretold centuries before Bethlehem. The book of Isaiah prophesied a coming Savior long before the New Testament. What was spoken in the Old Testament became reality in the New.

“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.”
Isaiah 7:14, NIV

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the Lord Almighty will accomplish this.”
Isaiah 9:6–7, NIV

The prophecy of a coming Savior in Isaiah is proof that our God keeps His promises. A promise was given that a virgin would conceive and give birth to a son – and we see this fulfilled in the New Testament. A promise was made that a child would be born who would establish and uphold a kingdom with justice and righteousness – and this, too, is fulfilled in the New Testament, though not always in the way people expected. Many anticipated a political Messiah who would overthrow earthly powers, but God was establishing an eternal, heavenly kingdom.

That’s the beautiful truth about God’s plan – it may unfold differently than we imagined because our human understanding can’t compare to God’s perspective. This is why we surrender daily, allowing Him to shape our thoughts according to His.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
Isaiah 55:8–9, NIV

We’ve all experienced moments when someone made a promise but didn’t follow through. It can leave us feeling disappointed, frustrated, or even doubtful. But what we learn from Isaiah – and all throughout Scripture – is that God is not like that. When He speaks, we can rest in the truth that He will bring it to pass. His promises may unfold in unexpected ways, but they are never broken.

“God is not human, that he should lie, not a human being, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?”
Numbers 23:19, NIV

“Not one of all the Lord’s good promises to Israel failed; every one was fulfilled.”
Joshua 21:45, NIV

“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
2 Peter 3:9, NIV

“Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures through all generations. The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does.”
Psalm 145:13, NIV

“What I have said, that I will bring about; what I have planned, that I will do.”
Isaiah 46:11, NIV

“Not one word has failed of all the good promises he gave through his servant Moses.”
1 Kings 8:56, NIV

We can rest in the everlasting truth that our God always keeps His promises. If the Lord says He will be with you, then He will be with you. If He says He will comfort you, then He will comfort you. If He says He will strengthen you, then He will strengthen you. It may not look the way we expect, but His promises stand firm.

“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Isaiah 41:10, NIV

“Be strong and courageous… for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Deuteronomy 31:6, NIV

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”
Psalm 23:4, NIV

“The Father of compassion and the God of all comfort… comforts us in all our troubles.”
2 Corinthians 1:3–4, NIV

“Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
Joshua 1:9, NIV

I pray that everyone reading this message is reminded today of the promises God has made – promises that are true, reliable, and fulfilled in His perfect timing.

Amen.