He has shown the mercy he promised to our ancestors.

Luke 1:72

Promise. Like a rope strung from a door to a barn in a whiteout blizzard, a promise is something you hold onto. And just like that rope guide, it is felt, not seen. A promise asks us to use our muscles to hold on and follow it even though we cannot always see.

Unlike light and splendor that slips into our sight, promise threads. It’s both directional and binding. It holds onto us as much as we hold onto it.

It’s the golden thread that ties the past, the present, and the future together. Promise weaves and echoes through the stories and prayers of the Old Testament, into the New Testament, and finally into our very own lives. 

This God—his way is perfect; the promise of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all who take refuge in him.

2 Samuel 22:31

This God—his way is perfect; the promise of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all who take refuge in him.

Psalm 18:30

What is this promise?

The promise is for mercy, now and in the life to come.

The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious…abounding in steadfast love…keeping steadfast love for the thousandth generation.

Exodus 34:6-7

The promise is for life, now and in the life to come.

Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you…And this is what he had promised us, eternal life.

I John 2:24-25

The promise is that he came once and he will come again making all things right.

And there will be no more night; they need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be there light and they will reign forever and ever…these words are trustworthy and true… “See, I am coming soon!”

Revelation 22:5-7

This Advent, hold tight to the promises of God. God is faithful and true.

The Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you.

1 Peter 3:9

Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who has promised is faithful.

Hebrews 10:23