“A promise is a promise!” Have you ever heard that or said that? What does it mean? (Invite one or two volunteers to comment.)
When we say, “A promise is a promise!” it’s kind of like saying, “You promised so you have to do what you said you would do.” Or, “You promised and you can’t take it back.”
A promise is a promise. Have you ever made a promise you wanted to take back? a promise you didn’t want to keep or that you couldn’t keep for some reason?
A boy named Jeff did. He promised to help Dad clean the garage. But then Grandma called. She wanted to take Jeff to see a movie. A promise is a promise! Do you suppose Jeff kept his promise?
A girl named Avery promised she would go to her friend’s birthday party. But then she woke up with strep throat. A promise is a promise, but Avery had to go to the doctor instead of to the party.
Sometimes people break their promises, don’t they? Like Jeff, something more fun comes along and they have to choose - help Dad? Or go with Grandma? Like Avery, sometimes people just can’t keep their promises. Sickness or an accident or an emergency gets in the way.
With people, a promise is not always a promise, is it? But with God, a promise is always a promise!
God makes and keeps all kinds of promises to us because he loves us so very much. When God makes a promise, he will never break it. Not ever! He never gets sick or tired. He never has an emergency or something better to do. With God, a promise is always a promise.
Long, long ago, God promised to send a Savior, someone who would take away our sins - and God kept that promise. He sent his very own Son, Jesus, to earth. Jesus was born on the first Christmas. He was born for us, just as God had promised. With God, a promise is a promise!
The holy angels praised God for keeping that promise. They sang this song to the shepherds: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace” (Luke 2:14 KJV). With God, a promise is a promise! Because of Jesus, we have peace.
God promised Jesus would be good and kind, that he would make blind people see and sick people well. Did God keep that promise? Yes, he did. Jesus healed many, many people. With God, a promise is a promise! (Invite the children to say the refrain along with you.)
God promised Jesus would teach us how to love and care for one another. Did God keep that promise? Yes, he did. Jesus taught us many wonderful things. With God, a promise is a promise!
God promised Jesus would die on the cross so our sins would be forgiven. Did God keep that promise? Yes, he did. Everyone who believes in Jesus has their sins washed away. With God, a promise is a promise!
God promised Jesus would rise from the dead and be our Friend forever. Did God keep that promise? Yes, he did. Jesus rose from the dead on Resurrection Sunday. With God, a promise is a promise!
God promises we will live with him and with all believers in heaven someday. Will God keep that promise? Yes, he will. Everyone who believes in Jesus has eternal life. With God, a promise is a promise!
Let’s pray together: Dear Father, you always, always keep your promises! Thank you, especially, for sending Jesus at Christmas to be our Savior and Friend. Teach us to live as your forgiven, believing children now and forever. Amen
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