According to the proclamation of the angel Gabriel, Mary conceived by the Holy Spirit. Mary journeyed and reached the home of Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit (Luke 1: 40,41). It was at that time that Elizabeth exclaimed- Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill his promises to her! (Luke 1:45). Because God is faithful in his promises (1 Cor. 1: 9; 10: 13; 1 Thess. 5: 24; 2 Thess. 3: 3). Paul says “For no matter how many promises God has made, they are “Yes” in Christ (2 Cor. 1: 20). Christmas season is a season for remembering the promises of God. Out of the promises that God gave, the most important is his own only son Jesus Christ. Advent season is a time for preparing for Christ’s birth.
1. God who is Faithful in Promises – in the Old Testament (1 Samuel 2: 1- 10)
Bible is a book of lot of promises. The foundation of Christian faith and Church in itself is God’s promises. We can see many promises in the Old Testament. God had given His promise to Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses,Joshua, David and Solomon. He has also fulfilled all the promises that he had made. God fulfilled the promise he made to Hannah. She, who did not have children, was given Samuel. We see in 1 Samuel 2: 1- 10, Hannah reminiscing this and praising God. Like Hannah we can also praise God for all His promises.
2. God who is Faithful in Promises – in the New Testament (Luke 1: 39 – 41)
The greatest promise that God gave was His son Jesus Christ (Acts 7: 17, 13: 23, 32; Galatians 3: 22; Romans 15: 8). When Gabriel told this promise to the virgin, she couldn’t believe it. “The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you" (Luke 1: 35) was the angel’s reply. To celebrate this news she went to the household of her relative Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit (Luke 1: 41). Let us believe in God’s promises and turn it into a celebration.
The promises of the New Testament are mainly in three categories.
- The Promise given to Abraham about an Heir (Romans 4: 13- 16, 20; 9: 8,9; 15: 8; Galatians 3: 16- 22; 4: 23; Hebrews 6: 13- 17; 7:6 ; 11: 9, 11, 17). Abraham believed these promises. These were later established through Isaac and Jacob.
- Promise regarding David’s Heir: Jesus is the Savior that was promised ( Acts 13: 23). As the time drew near for God to fulfil his promise is what Stephen says about the time of the arrival of Christ (Acts 7: 17). A promise of a Savior to David was fulfilled through Christ (Acts 13: 32). Promises are through faith in Jesus Christ is what Paul says in Galatians 3:22. The promise given to Abraham about an heir and a promise about a King to David all come within the promises made to the patriarchs (Romans 15: 8). When talking about the future of Israel, Apostle says that Israelites are heir to the promise (Romans 9: 4, 8, 9). This includes the promise of life in Christ (2 Timothy 1:1), promise of eternal inheritance (Hebrews 9: 15) and the promise of eternal life (1 John 2: 25).
- The Promise of Holy Spirit:This promise came into being after the ascension of Christ into heaven (Luke 24: 49; Acts 1: 4; 2: 33; Ephesians 1: 13). Therefore, since the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us be careful that none of you be found to have fallen short of it (Hebrews 4: 1). Another promise is a new heaven and a new earth where righteousness dwells (2 Peter 3: 13; Isaiah 52: 11).
3. Receive the Promises through Faith (Hebrews 11: 29- 40)
Hebrews 11 is a list of warriors of faith. They, by faith, received the promises (Hebrews 6: 12). We are encouraged to believe in the Word of God and to depend on it because God is faithful in His promise. We see in Hebrews chapter 11 people who thus believed and received a fulfilment of promises. Some through faith received good and some received evil. But all of them led their life through faith. God’s promises assures us to remain steadfast in the midst of trials and tribulations. When some received supernatural blessings others, to gain a better resurrection, received tests which includes flogging, jeers, chains and imprisonment. The writer lists out the persecutions they received in Hebrews 11: 35- 40.