As we approach the Christmas season, it becomes apparent that we are moving closer to the appointed date that is recognized throughout the western world as Christmas Day, December 25^th. Christmas is still one of the biggest annual celebrations and is observed by Christians and non – Christians alike. There is always a huge commercial drive during these weeks, where everyone is affected in some way or another. For some people, Christmas is just something that happens to them and around them. For us, who are believers in Jesus this is a celebration of God’s redemptive plan for mankind in action and the birth of our Saviour. Christmas for us is a time to remember that everything, from the beginning to the end of time, revolves around Jesus.

Divine Appointment not Accident

When we look back to that first “Christmas”, where there was no internet or mobile phones, Jesus’ birth seemed to be the best kept secret. Unless you knew the scriptures and the prophecies that foretold of the Messiah, this event was not common knowledge. We learn from scripture that Herod was one of those who knew nothing of His coming. Matthew 2:3-6 NLT states that,

“King Herod was deeply disturbed when he heard this, as was everyone in Jerusalem. He called a meeting of the leading priests and teachers of religious law and asked, “Where is the Messiah supposed to be born?” “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they said, “for this is what the prophet wrote…”

In fact, he had to consult with the priests and teachers of his day to understand what this prophecy actually meant. He was deeply disturbed by what he heard and immediately launched a plan of attack to stop this from happening. The birth of Jesus was no accident, but a divine appointment, recognized by those who walked with God and understood His timing.

Here is the parallel of Christmas – When the world (like Herod) is disturbed, we have the Peace of God. When the world does not know what to do, we have the wisdom of God. When the world is in darkness, we know what to do. Why? – because The Word (Jesus) became flesh and dwelt among us. Jesus gave us everything we need to know and walk victoriously in this life. Hallelujah!

“…as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue” – 2 Peter 1:3 NKJV

Prophetic Fulfilment not Fable

“So will My word be which goes out of My mouth; It will not return to Me void (useless, without result), Without accomplishing what I desire, And without succeeding in the matter for which I sent it” – Isaiah 55:11 AMP

The prophetic words of the Bible are still leading and guiding us today into the divine appointments pre-ordained by God. The key point about “the fullness of time” is that nothing can stop the Word of God once it has been spoken out, in Faith.

Hebrews 11:1 NKJV states, “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen”. The birth of Jesus, the fullness of time, is what “now” faith looks like – when the Word has come to fruition and everything that has been prophesied has come to pass. This is the God- kind of faith in action, according to Mark 11:23. I like how Kenneth Copeland describes this, as “…when Faith boils over…”

Praise God! Jesus is the answer to everything. We never need to be like Herod, who lacked wisdom, understanding and knowledge. We have the counsel, the might, the fatherhood and the peace of God, according to Isaiah 9:6 NLT – ”For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

When we celebrate Christmas, we are not only celebrating the prophetic fulfilment of Jesus being born, but also that we have been born again and have everlasting life with Him. Jesus had to be born into the Earth to save us, and we had to be born again spiritually to receive Him (John 3:7). What a wonderful plan!

Therefore, as we boldly declare these memory verses, we can celebrate that the “fullness of time” has come and that JESUS IS LORD!

 

Memory Verses

I rejoice “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” (John 3:16 NKJV)

I rejoice that “I am no longer a slave but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ”. (Galatians 4:4-7 NKJV­)

I give thanks to Jesus “the Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6 NLT)