Promises Fulfilled on Christmas Eve

Christmas Eve

Third Year

Gospel Luke 2:1–14 Promises Fulfilled

In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a tax should be levied throughout the whole empire. This tax was the first to be levied while Quirinius was governor of Syria. Everyone went to be taxed, each to his own town.

So Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, to Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David. He went there with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was pregnant. While they were there, the time came for Mary to give birth, and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

Now there were shepherds in that region, keeping watch over their flock by night. Suddenly an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them. The shepherds were afraid, but the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid! I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the city of David a Savior has been born to you. He is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” And at the same time, a great company of the heavenly host surrounded the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased.” (Luke 2:1–14 Third Edition)

Promises

At Christmas, we are surrounded by a time of peace and tranquility. However, during this Christmas season, the wars and crises that continue in the world raise questions about God’s will and peace. In the second chapter of Luke’s Gospel, verses 1–14, we are offered the fulfillment of promises, peace and salvation. These messages reach across time and national boundaries. However, the message of Christmas often seems to be forgotten in a busy world.

In this article, we will examine how God’s promises were fulfilled and what peace means for us this Christmas. How can we understand and accept the Christmas offer of peace in the midst of all this complexity?

God’s Offer of Peace

In the Gospel of Luke, a host of angels proclaim: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom he is pleased.” This is God’s will, and it raises questions about why peace is not visible around us. Although God offers peace and salvation to the entire world, only a small portion of the world’s population lives in countries where peace prevails. This means that most of us experience unrest and insecurity.

The lack of peace is evident in the ongoing wars and crises around the world. Why is this? Often the reason is that many do not believe God’s promises or have closed their hearts to the message of peace. Christmas reminds us of light in the darkness, and God’s peace can be just the light we need now.

Prophetic Promises

At Christmas, many promises are fulfilled in the Gospel. The first of these was uttered more than 700 years before the birth of Jesus. Isaiah prophesied: "Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel." This prophecy is one of the best known and most beloved, and not in vain.

Joseph and Mary also receive revelations from an angel, confirming that the fulfillment of God's will is underway. Mary is informed that she will give birth to his Son, whose name will be Jesus. Through this message, God not only announces the coming Savior, but also his closeness among people.

In this context, it is important to note that God's promises not only come true, but are also strongly linked to his will and plan. This is evident not only in the Bible but also in historical events that point to the reality of God's plan.

History and Biblical Background

Already 2850 years ago, when the prophet Micah wrote, “But you, Bethlehem, who are little among the clans of Judah, from you will come out to me one who is to be ruler in Israel,” he could not have known how accurately God would fulfill this prophecy.

Emperor Augustus, although not a Christian, shaped events according to God’s purposes. His tax policy forced Mary and Joseph to travel to Bethlehem, and it was there that the world received its Savior. This shows how God works throughout history, even in matters that we cannot independently understand.

God’s Plan as the Bringer of Peace

God created the conditions for the birth of His Son in an era of peace. The emperor’s decrees and the state of the world may sometimes seem contradictory to God’s offer of peace, but all things work out according to His plan. God’s message of peace is an active and desirable factor for humanity.

According to Martin Luther, the Christmas gospel is preached year after year so that all people may remember its meaning. It offers faith that we need not fear, because we have the Son of God in heaven as our brother. This peace can be a source of hope and life for all of us.

Current Challenges

The Christmas season is filled with peaceful atmosphere and reasons for joy, but the wars and conflicts of today's world do not dampen the message of peace. The gift of Christ does not automatically spread everywhere where it is needed. We must remember that acceptance is the key; we can only receive God's peace if we are open and ready for it.

The role of the community and the church is even more important. We must share the message of peace and salvation with those who need it most. This can mean kindness to our neighbor or participation in the activities of a church or organization that helps those in need. Although we may only be small parts in a big world, we can still make a significant impact.

Christmas Peace

Peace at Christmas is a symbol of hope. It is the promise that even in the midst of turmoil, we can calm down and experience the presence of God. This peace is not dependent on circumstances, but is a gift from God that is available to us. The peace of Christmas is also an invitation to make peace in our own hearts and relationships.

When we understand what peace means to ourselves and to others, we can begin to act on it. During Christmas, we have a special opportunity to share this peace, to be kind to one another, and to remember that we are all part of a greater story in which God is behind His promises.

At Christmas, we are reminded of God’s promises, the peace, and salvation that He offers to all of us. Luke 2:1-14 tells a story that is timeless and relevant. Although the world may seem turbulent, God is a God of peace who wants us all to become instruments of peace. Peace at Christmas is an opportunity to open our hearts to God’s promises and allow them to transform our lives. We can find the peace that surpasses all understanding and share it. We can become messengers of peace and hope.

As Christmas approaches, consider how you have brought peace into your life and how you can share it with others. Because no matter how turbulent the world is, God's offer of peace is always available to us and is meant for all of us.

Let us seek peace together and spread God's promises, for therein lies the deepest meaning of Christmas.