PROPHECIES OF CHRISTMAS

There are numerous prophecies throughout the Old Testament that point to the details and significance of Jesus Christ's birth.  Five major prophecies stand out and can be boiled down to one word each concerning Christmas Day:

1)     SALVATION

Zacharias was the father of John the Baptist.  He argued with an angel about the naming of his son, which caused him to be made mute until John was born.  At his son’s birth, those who were near began asking, “What shall his name be”?   Zecharias wrote the word “John” on a pad, and his voice came back.  He then gives a prophecy…

Luke 1:67-69 and 76-77-  Now his father Zacharias was filled with the Holy Spirit, and prophesied, saying:  “Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, for He has visited and redeemed His people, and has raised a horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David…”And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Highest; for you will go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways, to give knowledge of salvation to His people by the remission of their sins.”

We must not forget that Christmas represents salvation.  The very name “Jesus” means “I am God, your salvation”.  This gave Jesus the right to declare, “I am the door, the way, the truth, and the life”.  For those who reject this, there is frustration and anger because they believe that there must be a different way to make heaven.  But for those who believe there is the reality of righteousness, peace, and joy that abides within us by the power of the Holy Spirit.

 2)  FAVOR

Mary, the mother of Jesus, reveals to us the promise of favor for those who receive Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

Luke 1:26-30-  Now is the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David.  The virgin’s name was Mary.  And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!”  But when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying, and considered what manner of greeting this was.  Then the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.”    

The word “favor” is from the Greek word “charis”.  This word is translated as “favor” six times and as “grace” 130 times.  The word “favorite” means “the one on whom favor rests.”  Favor and grace work hand-in-hand and signify that, as children of God, we are now a magnet for the goodness of God to come upon us.

 3)  BLESSED

This Christmas Day attribute is spoken of by Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist.

Luke 1:39-45-  Now Mary arose in those days and went into the hill country with haste to a city of Judah, and entered the house of Zacharias and greeted Elizabeth.  And it happened, when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, that the babe leaped in her womb; and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit.  Then she spoke out with a loud voice and said, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb!  But why is this granted to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?  For indeed, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the babe leaped in my womb for joy. Blessed is she who believed, for thee will be a fulfillment of those things which were told her from the Lord.”

The word “blessed” means “happy”.  Jesus has come to make us happy.  The world can only provide a temporary happiness that is based on our happenings, our outward circumstances.  Like a thermometer that is affected by its external environment and circumstances, the world’s happiness ebbs and flows with what surrounds us.  

God’s happiness is more like a thermostat.  No matter how hot or cold it may be outside, within the boundaries of where the thermostat resides, it can maintain a perfect 72 degrees.  We have this Holy Spirit thermostat within us, which gives us the ability to be steadfast, consistent, and unwavering in our faith, as the joy of the Lord is our strength. 

4)  GUIDANCE

Joseph, the husband of Mary, reveals to us that guidance is another prophetic benefit we receive because of Christmas Day.

Matthew 1:19-20 and 2:13; 19-23-  Then Joseph, her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to make her a public example, was minded to put her away secretly.  But while he thought about these things, behold, an angel of the lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take to you Mary your wife, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.”

Now, when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph is a dream, saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, flee to Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word: for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him.”   Now, when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, saying, “Arise, take the young Child and His mother, and go to the land of Israel, for those who sought the Child’s life are dead.”

God guides us.  We don’t need to worry about what move to make or about making big decisions on our own.  Just as he gave specific directions to Joseph in his times of need, so He will do the same for us, because He loves our family and us.  

5)  JOY

Joy is revealed to us by the shepherds who watched their flocks by night and spotted His star as they cared for their flocks on the first Christmas Day.

Luke 2:8-10-  Now there were in the same country shepherds living out in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.  And behold, an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid.  Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people.”

The definition of “joy” includes the cause for joy.  Joy does not depend on circumstances.  We are the only creatures on earth who have the supernatural ability to grieve and rejoice at the same time. 

As Christmas approaches, let’s rejoice and remind ourselves of some of the great benefits of Christmas Day.  We are saved, the favor of God is upon us, we are blessed, we are partakers of His divine guidance, and His joy fills our hearts regardless of our circumstances.