The Christmas season sparks reflections of Christmases past or excitement over the season’s significance. But Christmas may also come with uncertainty. If traditions feel out of reach or if a loss or questions linger, we long for tidings of comfort and joy.

And yet, Christmas is the season of certainty.

Luke, one of Jesus’s disciples, begins his account of the first Christmas with a bold introduction. He writes to Theophilus, who was likely a Roman government official. I believe Luke’s words are meant for us too:

“Having carefully investigated everything from the beginning, I also have decided to write an accurate account for you, most honorable Theophilus, so you can be certain of the truth of everything you were taught.” (Luke 1:3-4 NLT, emphasis mine)

Luke continues to sow seeds of certainty as he tells the story surrounding Christ’s birth. The story is strung together by two announcements from the angel Gabriel. First, he comes to Zechariah. He and his wife were well along in years and longing for a child.

Gabriel tells him, “God has heard your prayer. Your wife, Elizabeth, will give you a son, and you are to name him John. You will have great joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth.” John would “be a man of spirit and power…” who will “prepare the people for the coming of the Lord.” (Luke 1:11-17 NLT)

But Zechariah didn’t see this as a season of certainty. He was stuck in his limitations.

And yet, faith takes our humanity and submits it to God’s divinity. When He makes a promise (or sends an angel to announce one), we can always take Him at His word.

The next words Zechariah hears are not nearly as exciting.

The angel says, “But now, since you didn’t believe what I said, you will be silent and unable to speak until the child is born. For my words will certainly be fulfilled at the proper time. (Luke 1:21 NLT, emphasis mine)”

This divinely directed silence always gives me a pause. What if I was silenced every time I wrestled with doubt over one of God’s promises? Would you be prone to such a silence too?

Thankfully, as our faith matures, we grow more secure in God’s Sovereignty.

Hence, Gabriel’s second visit is to Mary, a virgin engaged to Joseph. He tells her she has “found favor with God.” As Mary leaned in for the details, she learned she would bear a son and call his name Jesus. He would “save His people from their sins.” (Matthew 1:21)

But Mary didn’t wonder if it would happen. She wondered how it would happen. The Immaculate Conception was the answer. (see Luke 1:29-37)

“Mary responded, ‘I am the Lord’s servant. May everything you have said about me come true.’ And then the angel left her. (Luke 1:‬38 NLT)”

As we wait for the fulfillment of God’s promises, it can become a time of anticipation, instead of hesitation.

All of His promises are true whether I believe them or not. But by faith, I choose to receive them knowing His “… words will certainly be fulfilled at the proper time.”

Christmas is a celebration of Christ’s birth. But because He died for our sins and was raised back to life, blessed assurance saturates the human experience.

We can be certain God loves us. (John 3:16)
We can be sure He is with us. (Matthew 1:23)
We can find forgiveness for our sins. (1 John 1:9)
We can be confident He is our refuge, victory, and guide. (Psalm 32:6-8)
We can know He is good and merciful. (Psalm 100:5)
We can say “yes” to all of His promises. (2 Corinthians 1:20)

These tidings of comfort and joy can create certainty in any season. May they keep us encouraged with hope for the heart and joy to the soul.