From: December 25, 2025
“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.
From: December 25, 2024
Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake” (Revelation 16:15 ESV).
Advent means “coming.” On this Christmas day we celebrate and remember Christ’s coming. Yet, this Christmas season also reminds us that He is coming again. Therefore, let us keep our eyes open. For Jesus has promised to return at a time when people least expect Him, like a “thief in the night” (Matt. 24:43; 1 Thess. 5:2).
So, let us look back to celebrate His first coming while also staying awake to look forward for His soon return.
Merry Christmas!
PRAYER: Dear Father, as we celebrate this day with family and friends, help us to remember the reason for this season. It is our Savior, Christ the Lord. By Your Spirit, help us to keep our eyes open to His presence in our lives today and to look for His soon return at any time. Thank You for Jesus. In His name we pray, amen.
From: December 25, 2023
“…Please let us walk with you, for we have heard that God is with you” (Zechariah 8:23b NLT).
Zechariah’s prophecy described a time when great numbers of people from the Gentile nations would seek the One born king of the Jews, who is known by this description: “God is with you.” Who is this One? It is Christ Jesus. As Isaiah prophesied (Isa. 7:14) and Matthew confirmed (Matt. 1:23), He is Immanuel, which in Hebrew means, “God with us.”
Today, Zechariah’s prophecy has been fulfilled. People from nearly every tongue and tribe have decided to walk with Jesus, who is Immanuel, “God with us.” Today, we celebrate His coming and look forward to His soon return! Merry Christmas!
PRAYER: Dear Father, we thank You for sending Jesus to us, our Immanuel, God with us. Strengthen us to carry the message of Your love to every nation, language, and tribe, until everyone has heard that Immanuel has come. In Jesus’ name, amen.
From: December 25, 2022
WHAT SEEMS IMPOSSIBLE TO YOU THIS CHRISTMAS?
In Zechariah’s time, the Jews had returned to Jerusalem from Babylonian exile and were attempting to rebuild the Temple. But the small remnant was overwhelmed with the large size of the project. They felt inadequate in every way, not enough in number nor in resources. But the Lord of Hosts had a question for them to consider: “Is it impossible for Me?”
This was the same question that troubled Mary when the angel Gabriel visited. She wondered aloud, “How shall this be, seeing I know not a man?”
After explaining the the miracle of Christ’s divine conception Gabriel replied, “For with God nothing will be impossible.”
And Mary believed, replying “Let it be to me according to your word” (Luke 1:38).
God was with the exiles in Zechariah’s day and they finally completed the rebuilding of the Temple against impossible odds. God was with the virgin Mary and she bore a son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger. He is Immanuel, (God with us). And they named him Jesus, which means “God saves.”
What seems impossible in your life today? Is it impossible for God?
PRAYER: Dear Father, we often feel small and inadequate, but we know that You are with us. We believe that all things are possible with You. Let it be unto us according to Your Word. In Jesus’ name, amen.
From: December 25, 2016
Advent means “coming.” On this Christmas day we celebrate and remember Christ’s coming unto us in the city of David as Savior and Lord. Yet, this day should also remind us that He is coming again. So, let us look back to celebrate His first coming while also staying awake to look forward for His soon return. Merry Christmas!