Experience Christmas is a 19-day devotional series based on the Scriptural narrative and aimed at creating space during a beautiful, but hectic time of year to wonder at the miracle of Christmas. You’re joining us on day three, with music from The Piano Guys and a devotional about the most profound promise ever made.

Watch and Listen

O Come, O Come Emmanuel, The Piano Guys
YouTube Video | Lyrics

Read

Genesis 12:1-3, Genesis 22:17-18, Isaiah 7:14, Isaiah 9:6-7

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God’s promise in the garden of an end to the separation between Him and Man, was enacted by the formation and calling of a family from the small beginnings of Abraham. This people grew into a nation, chosen by God to embody His plans, His purposes, and His design for the entire human race.

Israel was set apart from the nations around her and given a special promise all her own – a covenant of blessing for her faithfulness and a warning of curses for her disobedience. God knew that even with the purest heart, Israel could never be perfect. In granting provision for her humanity, God created a system of sacrifice that would make right her wrongs against Him. Through this shedding of blood, Israel was reconciled to God.

Over time, through generations that lost touch with both the promise and commands of God, Israel repeatedly chose her own way. She walked in the ways of the nations she was taken out of, and away from the God who loved her.

But God.

Patient. Merciful. Loving. God.

Sent prophets to warn her, to remind her of the promise, and to encourage her to turn back to the ways designed by her Maker. In rebellious defiance, Israel chose to ignore these warnings, and was sent away from her home country into the exile exchanged for her disobedience.

Even in light of Israel’s disobedience, God did not forget His promise. Through the prophet Isaiah, He spoke of the special Holy Child that would be born to Israel.

Isaiah 7:14 NIV
Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

The Child God promised in the garden –

Conceived of unnatural means –

Phenomenal in supernatural proportions –

Was to be the Savior Immanuel.

God with us.

From Israel. For Israel.

Isaiah 9:6-7 NIV
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of His government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over His kingdom, establishing and upholding it will justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.

Consider

• What does God’s faithfulness to Israel, despite her disobedience, say about His character?
• In what ways has God shown His faithfulness to you?
• What does the promise of Messiah mean to your everyday life?

Pray

Thank God for His faithfulness to Israel and His faithfulness to you.

Lord thank you that you are faithful even when we are not. Thank you that you are trustworthy and that you always make good on your promises.

For a complete list of devotional posts visit the Experience Christmas series page. Sign up to receive posts directly via email by completing the online subscription form and join in the conversation on Facebook and Twitter by using the hashtag #ExperienceChristmasDevotional. See my disclosure page for iTunes and other affiliate information.