Christmas may now be over and relaxing with family just a memory, but it does not mean that the message of Christmas needs to be a memory too. Yes, you are reading correctly – a Christmas message in February. But let me explain why I am thinking about it.

 

If there is one example of a centuries-old promise that was fulfilled, it is the birth of Jesus. In various places in the Old Testament, we read about God’s promise of a king that would come and redeem people from their sins – a king that would reign for ever.

 

God, as always, was faithful and had never forgotten that great promise, even when it took a very long time to come to fruition.

 

In the same way, the Bible implores us to be faithful and to keep our promises: “But when the Holy Spirit lives in people and rules over them, then their lives change: They love other people, they are pleased with them, they make peace, they are patient, they are friendly and good, they do what they promise ...” (Galatians 5:22, EBD)

 

To keep our promises is actually such a simple resolution for the new year. It simply means that when you say you are going to do something, you do it. And yes, it is usually easier said than done because life happens in between. There are delays, circumstances change and sometimes one simply just forgets. Sometimes, it is simply a matter of continually postponing something that leads to a broken promise.

 

But what if God forgot about his promise of those days? Then we would not be free of our sins today. Then we would not be able to cling to the promise of forgiveness and eternal life. It is because God has always been faithful that we are able to trust and rely on him without having doubts.

 

I realise that our promises are not necessarily so weighty. But it is a matter of principle. The Bible calls us to be faithful and to do what we have promised. This, in turn, shows that we can be trusted and that we have integrity, as it should be with a child of God.

 

I know where I can begin to ensure that I always honour my promises: I can stop procrastinating and do what I have promised to do!

 

What can you do to honour your promises this year?

 

Prayer: Dear God, You promised to send a Saviour years and years ago. Help me to keep my promises and to be faithful, just like you. Amen.