Christmas 2022, how might we describe it?
Financially difficult? Politically uncertain? Culturally confusing and environmentally worrying? Watch the news and ‘happy’ might not be the first word to mind! We could be forgiven for feeling more like despair!
However John the Baptist’s elderly father is full of hope as he holds his infant son. They were living in difficult times too under the brutal Roman regime and yet Zechariah was inspired to declare that even in darkness and the shadow of death there is a path of peace and God was sending One to lead us in it.
Here is comfort in the face of sickness, death and bereavement. Good news! God still cares and has sent His Son that whosoever takes refuge in Him will find help and healing, peace in our hearts and everlasting life.
Zechariah is echoing prophets like Isaiah and Malachi, rejoicing that God has kept His word from the Old Testament centuries before this and provided a Saviour to deal with our greatest problem, our sin and alienation from our Maker. God always wanted a holy, obedient people He could bless and dwell among. He still does and through Christ He is creating that people globally.
Reassured by God’s faithfulness thus far we today can be encouraged to trust He will carry out His promises in the New Testament as well.
Jesus predicted the Gospel would be preached worldwide and that is happening before our eyes. Even if some churches in the West are floundering in heresy and immorality Christ continues to build His Church around the world. Unprecedented numbers of Jews in Israel are finally recognising their Messiah. One of the fastest growing churches at the moment is in Iran. Nothing will stop the Lord and His kingdom of grace!
And when our commission to evangelise and make disciples of all nations is at last complete Jesus has promised to return in victory and glory at the head of the heavenly host to end evil and gather His people safe home. We shall be given to share His resurrection in that day when God will make all things new.
The short term will have its challenges but Christians have hope. We worship the awesome, sovereign Lord Whose purpose is guaranteed to be fulfilled and yet tonight He is come to us vulnerable, in flesh, the child in the manger.
Come let us adore, trust and obey Him, Christ, the Lord!
Financially difficult? Politically uncertain? Culturally confusing and environmentally worrying? Watch the news and ‘happy’ might not be the first word to mind! We could be forgiven for feeling more like despair!
However John the Baptist’s elderly father is full of hope as he holds his infant son. They were living in difficult times too under the brutal Roman regime and yet Zechariah was inspired to declare that even in darkness and the shadow of death there is a path of peace and God was sending One to lead us in it.
Here is comfort in the face of sickness, death and bereavement. Good news! God still cares and has sent His Son that whosoever takes refuge in Him will find help and healing, peace in our hearts and everlasting life.
Zechariah is echoing prophets like Isaiah and Malachi, rejoicing that God has kept His word from the Old Testament centuries before this and provided a Saviour to deal with our greatest problem, our sin and alienation from our Maker. God always wanted a holy, obedient people He could bless and dwell among. He still does and through Christ He is creating that people globally.
Reassured by God’s faithfulness thus far we today can be encouraged to trust He will carry out His promises in the New Testament as well.
Jesus predicted the Gospel would be preached worldwide and that is happening before our eyes. Even if some churches in the West are floundering in heresy and immorality Christ continues to build His Church around the world. Unprecedented numbers of Jews in Israel are finally recognising their Messiah. One of the fastest growing churches at the moment is in Iran. Nothing will stop the Lord and His kingdom of grace!
And when our commission to evangelise and make disciples of all nations is at last complete Jesus has promised to return in victory and glory at the head of the heavenly host to end evil and gather His people safe home. We shall be given to share His resurrection in that day when God will make all things new.
The short term will have its challenges but Christians have hope. We worship the awesome, sovereign Lord Whose purpose is guaranteed to be fulfilled and yet tonight He is come to us vulnerable, in flesh, the child in the manger.
Come let us adore, trust and obey Him, Christ, the Lord!
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