Neville Turley

The Lorddeclares to you that the Lordhimself will establish a house for you:when your days are over and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, your own flesh and blood, and I will establish his kingdom. He is the one who will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom for ever.  2 Samuel 7:11-13 (NIV)

Nathan, the prophet, told David of this wonderful blessing that God had bestowed on him. The promised Christ would be a direct descendant of David himself. 

Since the fall of creation God has by direct revelation, through his prophets and his word kept the promise of Christ alive in the hearts and minds of his children. 

An angel of the Lord declared to Abraham:  “…through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed." Genesis 22:18

God confirmed the oath he swore to Abraham when he promised Isaac; “I will make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky … and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed” Genesis 26:4

Jesus was the promised seed of Abraham, Isaac and David.  His genealogy is clearly set out in Matthew 1:1.

Often when things were at their darkest, God reminded his children of the one whom he would send:  “The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you, from your fellow Israelites. You must listen to him.”  Deuteronomy 18:15

Jesus was that prophet.  In the midst of all the Christmas celebrations people tend to fall into two categories.  There are those who are full of the joys of Christmas because they have been blessed and who share their blessings with others. 

Then there are those, who are overwhelmed by their distressing circumstances.    People, who are suffering hardship, in pain, lonely and in such dire straits they do not know where to turn to.  If you are in this category do not carry your burdens on your own, turn to Jesus in obedience and he will bless and comfort you. 

Prayer: Almighty God, thank you for the greatest gift and blessing you have bestowed on us through your son, our Lord Jesus.  May we be guided by the Holy Spirit to listen and to obey your word to your glory. Amen