2019 Advent Devotional – Day 25
Promise
Matthew 2:22-23 – Joseph, Mary and Jesus went to Nazareth
But when he heard that Archelaus was ruling over Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. And after being warned in a dream, he went away to the district of Galilee. There he made his home in a town called Nazareth, so that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled, “He will be called a Nazorean.”
“So that what had been spoken through the prophets might be fulfilled.” This is the fifth and final reference Matthew made in his Nativity account of Jesus fulfilling prophecies from the Old Testament, and it is apt that Matthew finishes his narrative in this way, emphasizing the fulfilment of these prophecies and the way in which God has kept his promises to the people of Israel.
The message running through Matthew’s Nativity is unambiguous: God has spoken to his people throughout history, promising to guide and watch over them, and God has kept these promises through the birth, life and ministry of Jesus.
This is a message for us also. God also speaks to us, and promises to guide and watch over us. As we celebrate the birth of Jesus, our Saviour and Messiah, we affirm that God has kept and is keeping these promises today. God cares for us and nurtures us and supports and sustains us.
God is with us—Emmanuel. Hallelujah!
All praise and glory be to you! On this day of celebration, thank you for your presence in my life. Thank you for keeping your promise to watch over me and to be with me. Your comfort and compassion console me, your guidance and spirit sustain me, your blessings and kindness delight in me. Above all, your love and mercy embrace me, holding me close and promising me your eternal grace. Amen.
