Scripture to Read: Luke 1:55-56
Yesterday we learned that not only was God faithful to His promises for Israel but that His plan has always been to bless all the families of the earth through our Lord Jesus Christ (Genesis 12:1-3). Knowing God's plan helps us better understand the final words of Mary's praise to our Lord God Almighty. Mary finished her words of praise with these words in Luke 1:55, "as He spoke to our fathers, to Abraham and to his offspring forever." By God's handiwork, Mary saw that the incarnation of Jesus Christ was the fulfillment of the promise of God to Abraham. The way all the nations would be blessed through Abraham's lineage would be through the person and work of our Lord Jesus Christ (Galatians 3:16). The reason Jesus's coming is "good news of great joy that will be for all the people" (Luke 2:10) is because God sent Jesus to save people from every tribe, tongue, and nation (Revelation 5:9-10, 7:9-10). Our Lord Jesus Christ is not just the hope of Israel or for Christmas time. Jesus is the hope of all the world for all time. The story of Christmas is the story of the eternal God who came down to fulfill His promises and bring the good news of salvation to all who would repent of their sin and place their trust in our Lord Jesus Christ. From the beginning of creation to the birth of Christ, our God had a plan of redemption, and it is that perfect plan we celebrate during Christmas and should celebrate every day of the year.
Challenge & Application
1. What does GOD teach us about His plan of salvation for the world?
2. Who will you share God’s plan of redemption with this week?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!