Christmas represents the promise of redemption

Genesis 3:15 says; “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head and you will strike his heel.”

I find it amazing the immediate response from God concerning sin is a promise of redemption. Heavenly Father decided then and there that he was sending his Son to bring Salvation to the world.

I also find it interesting that we tend to focus on the curse of sin and the fall of man. Don’t get me wrong, we should identify the circumstances of sin. Adam and Eve were removed from the garden. They had to work for their food. Sweat would flow from the man’s brow and the birthing pains of childbirth would be upon the woman just to name a few.

However, when God speaks here in Genesis 3:15, He uses the word enmity in this verse. The definition of enmity is the state of being actively opposed or hostile to someone or something. This verse here is speaking animosity and hostility between Satan and Woman. The definition says enmity is active opposition.

To everyone reading these words, Genesis 3:15 gives a promise here, man and woman will overcome sin, and God himself will bring redemption and victory over Satan.

Satan will strike the heal of God but that does not matter because God is going to crush Satan’s head!

We have a responsibility. Men have a responsibility to lead when it comes to pursuing God. Women have a responsibility also, and that is to remain in an active opposition against Satan.

Our prayers make a difference and God has given us authority over Satan through God’s redeeming grace that came through the Lord Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection. Paul tells us what our responsibility is in Romans 16:19; “Everyone has heard about your obedience, so I rejoice because of you.”

That is an interesting statement there isn’t it? There is not much rejoicing over obedience these days and there is not much rejoicing over others period. The most important attribute we all need to carry in our lives is gratitude toward God and those he has placed around us. If we think we can serve God without a thankful heart we are sadly mistaken.

Paul continues in Romans 16:19; “I want you to be excellent at what is good, and innocent about what is evil.” Being excellent can also mean being wise at what is good.

I am thankful for the grace of God that gives us the opportunity to live in obedience to Christ and to live a life that is innocent of evil.

Titus 2:12 (KJV), For the Grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously and godly, in this present world. ( NIV says that Grace teaches us to say “No” to ungodliness.)

Quoting Romans 16:19 without quoting verse 20 is like eating a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with just jelly and no peanut butter. Jelly is sweet but you need the peanut butter to provide some substance.

Paul writes in verse 20, “The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.” That is the promise. We as believers shall overcome by the redeeming work Jesus did on the cross and our personal story of how Jesus saved us and brought us new life.

As we prepare our hearts for Christmas, may we be reminded that in the midst of a fallen world, God immediately came up with a plan and a promise of redemption through the Lord Jesus Christ.

Have an incredible week! May you have great tidings of comfort and joy as you rejoice over Jesus who brings peace on earth Y’all!

Dave Truncone is the pastor of First Assembly of God Church in Van Buren. He is married to Heidi and they have two daughters, Hannah, and Abigail. They live in Van Buren.