Christmas is all about anticipation. More than the countdown presents and time with family, the anticipation that filled the heart of Mary and the shepherds was one of everlasting joy. In Christ, we not only look towards the coming joy, but have access to perfect joy through the Holy Spirit.

Long before his arrival, Jesus was promised by the Prophets of the Old Testament. The prophecy delivered by Isaiah would not only describe Christ’s arrival, but even describe his birth, life, death and resurrection. The Savior spoken by the prophets was not random or without purpose, but was cause for great hope.

God people see God in you? Is your life a reflection of God’s truth and integrity, or do simply pretend to know the Lord? Abraham shows us what a life that reflects God in everything looks like. 

God is faithful, God hears, and God sees. 

God will either discipline and correct us as a loving Father, or punish us because of our sins as a righteous Judge. 

Sin has consequences. Whether we choose to believe it or not, sin will always bring God’s righteous judgment, wrath, and destruction. God is good and he is great not only in his blessings, but also in his judgement of Sodom and Gomorrah. 

God is good in all that he does. Because God is holy and just, he must judge sin. Therefore we must remember that God’s judgement is always good, and is and flows from his holiness. God’s warning to Abraham of the impending doom of Sodom should serve as a reminder that God is the perfect Judge.

God is great, and his works are wonderful. In the moments when things are grim and seem impossible that’s when God shows up.

The life and obedience of Abraham shows us that God’s promises are true and will come to pass. We do not need to help him, but show that we trust him by putting our faith to work. 

God is always work. Even when circumstances seem unlikely and grim, he is working and always keeps his promises. Like God reminding Abraham that he is the Almighty, we must remember who God is and find our peace and faith in him alone.