MONDAY, DECEMBER 18
“Now His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. And when He was twelve years old, they went up according to custom.”
Luke 2:41-42 ESV
THE MISSION OF CHRISTMAS: A PROMISE
A young man walked into a photography studio with a picture of his girlfriend. He wanted the picture duplicated. The owner of the store noticed the inscription on the back of the picture which said, “My Dearest Tom, I love you with all my heart. I love you more and more each day. I will love you forever and ever. I am yours for all eternity.” It was signed “Diane,” and it contained a P.S. “If we ever break up, I want this picture back.” Unfortunately, many of us have had to return or throw away pictures from past promises broken.
Christmas is a reminder that God keeps His promises to us. In Luke 2, Jesus entered Jerusalem with His family for Passover. Passover is a feast that celebrates God’s promise to spare His children from the penalty of sin, which is death. Passover lambs were killed as a symbol of a sinless sacrifice necessary for the forgiveness of sin. It’s amazing that in Luke 2 the One who would be the fulfillment of the Passover lamb was taken to the Passover feast every year until He died on a cross for us. John 1:29 tells us that before John the Baptist baptized Jesus, he said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”
Thankfully God keeps His promises to us. And if God had pictures of us He wouldn’t give them back. They say a picture is worth a thousand words. Can you think of a picture or two that is especially meaningful for you? Typically, what makes pictures special are the meaning and the relationships they represent. Picture in your mind Jesus as a 12 year old boy, in Jerusalem, looking at a sweet innocent Passover lamb. What does that picture mean to you this Christmas?
