How does Jesus’ birth transform our understanding of God? Here is a devotion that reminds us of everything we have been blessed with in the gift of Jesus:

IN WORD Unlike Zechariah, who only verses earlier questioned the angel’s word, Mary doesn’t ask how she can know if it’s true. She simply asks how it could possibly happen. That’s fair; faith doesn’t mean having no curiosity about the mechanism of supernatural events. And Mary has a lot at stake in this process; she has been sexually pure and wants to remain that way for her fiancé. This mysterious pregnancy could have harrowing implications. Gabriel answers her simply. God’s own Spirit will accomplish it; her conception will require no physical activity, no human intervention to make it happen.

God only needs to speak in order for something to come to pass. No word of God can fail. Nothing is impossible with Him. When He says something, it’s inevitable. Think about that. It’s true not only for Mary and a miraculous conception. It’s true for anything God has spoken. All those words about your role in the Kingdom and the inheritance you will receive? Inevitable. All those promises about His presence and His power at work within you? Unshakable. Every comforting and encouraging word about how He will defend, guide, protect, heal, strengthen, deliver, and restore you? Certain. And those assurances that He will answer your prayers and fulfill His purposes for you? Guaranteed.

Nothing He has spoken can prove untrue. Yes, there are conditions to some of those promises, but He has made them clear. They are not onerous. The burden is not on us to live up to our end of the bargain. He takes the fulfillment upon Himself. He offers His faithfulness.

IN DEED That’s good news. We aren’t always faithful, but He is (2 Timothy 2:12). It’s His Word on the line, and He will live up to it. When He makes a promise, He will do everything necessary to accomplish it. No matter what we face in life, we can be assured of His faithfulness to His words. Nothing is impossible with God. “I believe the promises of God enough to venture an eternity on them.” Hymn writer Isaac Watts (in “Heaven On Earth” by Chris Tiegreen)

Jesus’ birth confirmed and fulfilled God’s promise of salvation in Genesis 3:15. It affirms that God will never forsake us in spite of humanity’s sinfulness. Through the thousands of years of human history, God continued to unfold His plans until the birth of Jesus.

If God can do this, how will He not fulfill His promises to you? As you celebrate Christmas, take time to thank God for His faithfulness, for nothing is impossible with Him. And if you are feeling down or facing difficult circumstances, bring your supplications to Him. Let Christ reveal Himself to you this Advent season. One of my favorite passages is Romans 8. Use it to reflect on this week’s devotion and let the promises of verses 28-39 bless you with the assurance of God’s abiding Presence and sovereign authority. Have a blessed and merry Christmas! - from Singapore, Pastor Sam