“And as you have been a byword of cursing among the nations, O house of Judah and house of Israel, so will I save you, and you shall be a blessing. Fear not, but let your hands be strong” (Zechariah 8:13 ESV).
Zechariah, writing to the post-exilic community of Judah and Israel, assured a discouraged people that the LORD had not abandoned His covenant purposes. Though they had once been known among the nations as an example of judgment and shame, God declared that He Himself would save them and transform their identity. The prophet deliberately echoed Abrahamic language, reminding the returned exiles that their calling “to be a blessing” (Gen. 12:2–3) was still intact. This promise spoke immediately to their present task of rebuilding Jerusalem and the temple, urging them not to fear but to strengthen their hands for faithful obedience. At the same time, Zechariah’s words reached beyond their moment, anticipating a greater fulfillment in God’s unfolding redemptive plan, one in which Israel’s restoration would ultimately bless the nations through the coming Messiah.
This verse reminds us that God’s purposes are never canceled by our failures. Like Judah, we may carry memories of shame, seasons where our lives felt more like a curse than a blessing. Yet God is the One who saves and restores us. On the first Christmas, we see the fulfillment of this promise taking flesh. In Jesus, God’s ancient promise to bless the nations comes into clear focus. Christ entered a broken world to turn curse into blessing, exile into homecoming, and fear into hope. As God’s people today, we are not merely rescued from sin; we are restored to purpose. We are saved to be a blessing, declaring Christ, displaying His grace, and participating in His mission. Because God has acted decisively in Christ, we need not fear the weakness of our hands or the size of the task before us. Christmas assures us that God keeps His promises and advances His redemptive plan through His people. We can live out our calling with courage, remembering on this Christmas Day that Christ has turned the curse into blessing!
PRAYER: Dear Father, we thank You that You are faithful to Your promises. Thank You for turning our curse into blessing through the gift of Your Son. Strengthen our hands and steady our hearts as we live for Your purpose. Make us a blessing to the nations as we proclaim the gospel and reflect Christ this Christmas and beyond. In Jesus’ name, amen.