Three promises of Christmas
Sasan Tavassoli shares a message on the three promises of Christmas. Speaking from his perspective as an Iranian Christian, emphasized the historical role of the Armenian church in teaching and nurturing Iranian believers.
Starting with the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1:17.
17 Thus there were fourteen generations in all from Abraham to David, fourteen from David to the exile to Babylon, and fourteen from the exile to the Messiah.
Matthew 1:17
The sermon focuses on the Genealogy of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew (Matthew 1:1-17). Brother Sasan identifies this as a “message of hope” for those in a season of waiting. He derives three core truths from this lineage:
God is Faithful to His Promises: By tracing Jesus back to Abraham and David, Matthew demonstrates that God fulfills long-standing covenants, even when the wait spans centuries.
14 Generations Abraham to David – Promise to Abraham in Genesis 12
12 The Lord had said to Abram, “Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you.
2 “I will make you into a great nation,
Gen 12
and I will bless you;
I will make your name great,
and you will be a blessing.[a]
3 I will bless those who bless you,
and whoever curses you I will curse;
and all peoples on earth
will be blessed through you.”[b]
God is in Control of History: The structure of “fourteen generations” (a symbolic number related to David’s name) suggests that history is not random. God operates on a precise timetable, regardless of whether his people are experiencing victory or exile.
14 Generations David to Exile – Promise to David son from your line who will rule forever – Isaiah 9:6
For to us a child is born,
Isaiah 9:6
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
God Can Use Anyone: The inclusion of figures like Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba—individuals who faced social stigma or personal failure—proves that no one is beyond hope or useless to God’s redemptive plan.
14 Generations Exile to Messiah
- Waiting is a big part of the human experience.
- Jesus is the fulfilment of all of God Promises through all generations.
Three Promises for Christmas
- God is faithful to his promises.
- God is in control of history and our lives – God is not surprised, He is not shocked, we can trust in him and his sovereignty
- God can use everyone – No one is beyond hope, noone’s life is rejected just look at the genealogy of Jesus.
Brother Sasan challenges the congregation to view “waiting” not as a period of frustration or resignation, but as an active state of confidence.
Trust the Heart of God: Even when God’s hand is not visible or his timing does not match human expectations, the congregation is urged to trust His character, as proven on the cross.
Play Your Note: Using a musical metaphor, Brother Sasan describes God as writing a “symphony of redemption.” He calls on individuals to “play their note” with hope, serving as instruments of kindness and forgiveness in the lives of others.
Reject Discouragement: In light of current injustices (referencing the revolution and executions in Iran), he reminds the group that God is not “sleeping” or indifferent to suffering.