Author | Steve

In the midst of the annual Western-winter-economic-machine often confused with Christmas laid over another presidential-election-year-free-for-all, I thought it would be refreshing to share some of my favorite promises from the Bible – promises far better than any Black Friday deal or political promise.

for the lonely and the guilty

“Mary will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” – which means, “God with us.” ~ Matthew 1:21-23

for the election-year jaded

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 increase of his government and peace there will be no end. ~ Isaiah 9:6-7a

for those whose thirst is never quenched

Jesus: “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” ~ John 4:13-14

for those who long for more than the world ever offers

Jesus: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” ~ John 14:1-3

for the restless and the fearful

Jesus: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” ~ John 14:27

for those who die

Jesus: “For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.” ~ John 6:40

for the persecuted

Jesus: “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” ~ John 16:33

A picture of what Jesus, the Lamb of God, is preparing for anyone who will receive it

After this I looked and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and in front of the Lamb…”These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. Therefore, ‘they are before the throne of God and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will spread his tent over them. Never again will they hunger; never again will they thirst. The sun will not beat upon them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; he will lead them to springs of living water. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.‘” ~ Revelation 7:9a, 14b-17

Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.

The angel said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true. The Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, sent his angel to show his servants the things that must soon take place.”

[then Jesus said] “Behold, I am coming soon! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” ~ Revelation 22:1-7

Merry Christmas!

In a time where discord, strife, terror, greed, political savagery and every other darkness pervades our lives – hear these words from Jesus. Let them wash over you with light and life. And as you soak in the waters of promise, the hope of Christmas will grow into a reality that is not only an historical event to be celebrated…but a forever future destination to be anticipated and a constant well of living water to get there! Merry Christmas!

Come quickly Lord Jesus!