The Prophets Foretell the King
The God Who Keeps His Word: Finding Hope in the Prophecies of Christmas
Have you ever held onto a promise that felt like it was taking forever to come true?
Maybe it was something simple, like waiting for a long-awaited vacation or praying for an answered prayer that just hasn’t come yet. Waiting tests us, doesn’t it? It stretches our faith and reminds us how little control we actually have.
Now imagine waiting hundreds of years for a promise to be fulfilled. That’s what God’s people did between the Old and New Testaments. For centuries, they clung to words spoken by the prophets, words that painted a picture of a coming King, a Savior, and a hope that would never fade.
And then, one quiet night in Bethlehem, that promise cried out from a manger.
The Promise in the Waiting
In Isaiah 7:14, God promised that “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” That name, Immanuel, means God with us.
It’s hard to grasp how radical that was. The Israelites were used to meeting God through priests, temples, and sacrifices. The idea that God Himself would come and live among them? That was something entirely new.
When this prophecy was first spoken, Judah was facing invasion and fear. Their king, Ahaz, was panicking, and God sent Isaiah to remind him, and all of God’s people, that He was still in control. The promise of Immanuel wasn’t just about a baby; it was about God’s presence in the middle of chaos.
Sound familiar?
We may not be facing invading armies, but we do face fear, uncertainty, and seasons where it feels like everything is falling apart. And yet, God’s promise still holds: He is with us.
The Names That Tell the Story
Fast forward two chapters, and we find one of the most beloved Christmas passages in all of Scripture – Isaiah 9:6–7.
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given… and He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Each name tells us something about who Jesus is:
- Wonderful Counselor — He gives wisdom that never fails.
- Mighty God — He has power to save and protect.
- Everlasting Father — He loves us with an eternal, steady love.
- Prince of Peace — He brings calm where chaos once ruled.
These aren’t just poetic titles. They’re anchors for our faith, reminders that Jesus is exactly who we need Him to be, in every season.
The Details That Prove His Faithfulness
Then there’s Micah 5:2, a prophecy given to a small, quiet town:
“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for Me one who will be ruler over Israel.”
Bethlehem wasn’t impressive. It was small, humble, and ordinary. But that’s just like God, isn’t it? He takes what seems insignificant and uses it to reveal His glory.
And hundreds of years later, when the Magi came looking for the newborn King, the religious leaders pointed straight back to this prophecy in Matthew 2. The very words Micah spoke had come true.
Every detail, from the virgin birth to the humble birthplace, was a thread in the tapestry of God’s plan. It’s proof that He doesn’t forget His promises, even when time stretches longer than we expect.
Holding Onto Hope in the Waiting
These prophecies remind us of something powerful: God’s faithfulness isn’t tied to our timeline.
The people of Israel waited generations for a Savior. But when the time was right, God fulfilled every single word.
Maybe today you’re waiting for something too (healing, reconciliation, provision, direction). And maybe you’ve started to wonder if God has forgotten.
He hasn’t. Just as He fulfilled every prophecy about Jesus, He’s still faithful to the promises He’s made to you. You can trust the God who never fails to keep His word.
A Christmas Reminder
This Christmas season, when you hear the name Immanuel, let it remind you of this simple truth:
God always keeps His promises and He is still with you.
Even in the waiting.
Even in the wondering.
Even in the unperfected parts of life.
He is still writing the story, just like He did from the prophets to the manger.
Don’t Forget Your Free Family Devotional Guide
Do you want to go deeper with your family regarding this episode? Grab the free Family Devotional Guide for this episode below. It’s full of discussion questions, scriptures, and a fun activity to help your family reflect on God’s promises together.
Help the Preteen Girl in Your Life Discover Her True Worth
Preteen years can be messy, confusing, and full of questions, especially about identity, faith, and confidence. That’s why Girl UnPerfected was created: to help girls aged 9–12 navigate life with Jesus at the center, even when they feel imperfect or unsure of themselves.
Filled with relatable stories, practical exercises, and biblical truths, Girl UnPerfected encourages girls to:
- Embrace their unique identity in Christ
- Learn to trust God’s promises, even in hard seasons
- Build confidence and faith that lasts, not just for today, but for the years to come
Whether it’s for your daughter, niece, granddaughter, or a special preteen in your life, this book is a tool to guide her toward understanding that she doesn’t have to be perfect to be loved, valued, and chosen by God.
Give the gift of faith, encouragement, and confidence. Grab your copy of Girl UnPerfected today and help the preteen girl in your life step into who God made her to be.
Resources & Links:
Listen to more episodes of The UnPerfected Life podcast.
Free Family Devotional Guide for this episode
Follow Kat on Instagram: @unperfectedministries
🎧 Listen to the full episode on The Unperfected Life Podcast wherever you stream!
Want more stories and practical tips? Check out the full episode of The UnPerfected Life Podcast wherever you stream your shows. We dive into James 3, share real-life examples, and talk about how to let God guide your words—so you can speak life to those around you.
