19 December, Saturday — A Promise is a Promise

Jgs 13:2-7,24-25
Lk 1:5-25

Since you have not believed my words, which will come true at their appointed time…

God sent the angel Gabriel to Zechariah with a promise of a miracle, which Zechariah found unbelievable. But even so, God still kept is word. He did not punish Zechariah for his lack of faith by withdrawing his promise — He made him dumb, but He still gave them a son.

This is one of my favorite verses in the Bible:

We may be unfaithful, but he is always faithful, for he cannot disown his own self. (2 Timothy 2:13)

For God, a promise is a promise. Today’s reading just reminded me of that. God is not like us who casually says, ‘Sure, let’s meet up,’ without any game plan. We all know that many of us say that phrase without a concrete plan to arrange for said meet-up.

When God said that He wanted us to be with Him in paradise, He had this wonderful plan which included us receiving so many graces so that we can do good. His plan included us having guardian angels to protect us from evil. His plan included raising Saints among us to assure us that living a life that leads to heaven is doable on earth.

When God said He will save us from our sins, His plan included giving His only begotten Son. That’s what we are celebrating this Christmas. And that’s also what we remember and celebrate every time we attend Mass.

With God, a promise is a promise. He never forgets it. Sadly, we occasionally forget God’s promises to us. And so we need reminders of His faithfulness. Whenever we see a rainbow, let’s remember God’s promise to Noah. Whenever we see the stars, let’s remember God’s promise to Abraham. Whenever we look at the Crucifix, let’s remember God’s promise of salvation. Whenever we celebrate Mass, let’s remember God’s promise of everlasting love.

I once read about a child saying that when you love someone, you must tell them often because they sometimes forget. This Advent, God is telling us in a special way how much He is a God of love, and that He keeps his promises. Let us keep this in mind whenever we look at the Christmas wreath, Christmas Tree, the Nativity Set, or any other reminders of the season we have put out in display. With every look, may we hear God telling about his promise of great love.

(Today’s OXYGEN by Stephanie Villa)

Prayer: Dear Lord, help me trust that you will keep your promises.  

Thanksgiving: Thank you Lord, for planning out reminders for me of your love and faithfulness.