“And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts” (2 Peter 1:19). God keeps His promises! To me, the Christmas season reminds me of God’s faithfulness to His Word. The first coming of Jesus to this world was not a spur of the moment reaction. From the beginning God knew what we would need for salvation. He not only planned, but He provided for us “rays of light” through the prophecies of the Old Testament writers. Did you know that the Old Testament contains over 300 references to the Messiah that would be fulfilled in Jesus? From these biblical references, we discover 61 specific details about this Messiah concerning His birth, life, death, and resurrection. After Jesus ascended back to heaven, those who knew Him could look back and say, “Now I see it!” What God promised…God fulfilled! Peter spoke of this in his second letter and called the prophetic word “a lamp shining in a dark place.” In those days, lamps were not as bright as our lights, but they served the purpose to provide enough light to get around safely. Today, we not only enjoy the light of the Old Testament prophecies but also have the light of the 27 books of the New Testament. We walk in the light of Christ’s first coming…and anticipate His second coming! Did you know that the same Bible that predicted the first coming of Jesus (in over 300 places) gives us twice as many prophecies concerning His second coming! We may not have all the specific details or know how they will come together exactly, but we have enough light to believe. God gives us prophecy, not to satisfy our all our curiosity, but to challenge us to live godly (see 2 Peter 3:11). Peter explains that the light we now have is like a lamp in the night, but soon we will see as in the light of the morning. Christmas reveals that the light of the world has come, although at this time many choose to walk in darkness. When Jesus returns, as He promised, His light will shine over the whole earth “as the waters cover the sea!” Be prepared. The day is dawning! Walk in the light, as He is in the light.

Pastor Mark Boucher