21 Gifts of AdventSample

 The Gift of Legacy

Yesterday we spoke about the prophetic word foretelling the greatest story ever told. The Bible is full of prophecies that offer the message of Messiah’s coming and full of promises fulfilled by Jesus. Here are ten scriptures verses revealing Jesus—before and after his birth:

1. Jesus came from the line of Abraham. Prophecy: Genesis 12:3. Fulfilled: Matthew 1:1.

2. Jesus’ mother was a virgin. Prophecy: Isaiah 7:14. Fulfilled: Matthew 1:18–23.

3. Jesus is a descendant of Isaac and Jacob. Prophecy: Genesis 17:19 and Numbers 24:17. Fulfilled: Matthew 1:2.

4. Jesus was born in the town of Bethlehem. Prophecy: Micah 5:2. Fulfilled: Luke 2:1–7.

5. Jesus came from Egypt. Prophecy: Hosea 11:1. Fulfilled: Matthew 2:13–15.

6. Jesus was from the tribe of Judah. Prophecy: Genesis 49:10. Fulfilled: Luke 3:33. 

7. Jesus entered the temple. (This is important because the temple was destroyed in A.D. 70 and was never rebuilt.) Prophecy: Malachi 3:1. Fulfilled: Luke 2:25–27.

8. Jesus is from the lineage of King David. Prophecy: Jeremiah 23:5. Fulfilled: Matthew 1:6.

9. Jesus’ birth was followed by great suffering and sorrow. Prophecy: Jeremiah 31:15. Fulfilled: Matthew 2:16.

10. Jesus lived a perfect life, died by crucifixion, resurrected from death, ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God. Prophecies: Psalm 22:16; Psalm 16:10; Isaiah 53:10–11; Psalm 68:18; Psalm 110:1. Fulfilled: 1 Peter 2:21–22; Luke 23:33; Acts 2:25–32; Acts 1:9; Hebrews 1:3.

Take some time to read through these scriptures and see for yourself. Have you ever thought about why it is important to look at the lineage of Jesus? When I think of legacies, I remember that we have a righteous inheritance because of Jesus. Have you ever considered the legacy Jesus left behind as a gift? 

Advent reflection: God is faithful to His Word and to all those who receive Jesus as their Savior. His eternal plan is for all mankind to be saved and to be made right with Him once again. These verses give us renewed anticipation and a hope-filled perspective for God’s promises fulfilled through Jesus. It brings joy in this season when we remember the Christ child, yet at the same time leaves us in awe and wonder of how it came to pass! God's love for us is the best Christmas classic! The story of Jesus is real!