by Pastor Douglas Brauner

God’s Promise Fulfilled!

You can listen to today’s devotion by clicking on this SoundCloud link.

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6 English Standard Version

Our family was blessed with an early Christmas gift, our third grandson born on December 22. We are so blessed to receive this little one into our lives, to be a part of his life, and to watch him become the man that God fashioned him to be while growing in his mother’s womb (Psalm 139:13-14).

We had known for quite some time that they were going to have a boy. When the golf balls exploded with blue dust, we knew what to expect.

Mary and Joseph didn’t have this advantage. They had a promise and that is all.

“And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus.”
Luke 1:31 (ESV)

No ultrasound. No special place to go and see a projection of the infant hiding from the camera. They only had a promise.

What if it’s a girl?

It wasn’t. No ultrasound was needed to prove the promise that a baby boy was born. What joy must have filled Joseph and Mary that moment when the midwife told them that God fulfilled his promise in gifting them with a boy. This is the joy that we share with the holy family, our Savior is born.

As you sing your Christmas carols, as you hear the story, as you bow at the manger, may you rejoice that God kept his promise, that you have a Savior in the miracle of the birth of baby, a baby who would bear your sins on his cross, rise from the dead, and redeem your life.

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”
Luke 2:14 (ESV)

Merry Christmas!!!

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado