Get the appHorizon Church Christmas Advent Bible Reading Plan: The Joy of Every Longing HeartSample
Our lives and the fallen world can feel fragile—a moment can change the trajectory of our lives forever. A disaster, diagnosis, or deviance from what is typical might carve a path in our story that we didn’t expect.
Have you ever thought, “I could have more peace in the meantime if I just knew how long I had to wait?” Have you ever wondered, “If I knew the end was in sight, I wouldn’t have so much fear and anxiety?”
Gather around, and I will tell you what will happen to you in the days to come. —Genesis 49:1
Wouldn’t it be nice if someone pulled you aside and shared this statement with you? This is how Genesis 49 begins. The prophecy we read in verse ten is part of Jacob’s blessing to his sons right before his death. His son’s descendants formed the twelve tribes of Israel, and Jacob shares what will become of each of them. We learn here that the Messiah will come from the line of Judah.
The Old Testament is laced with prophecy that reveals the first coming of Christ. Genesis and Numbers reveal that the Messiah will come from Jacob’s line, specifically the tribe of Judah. In 2 Samuel, God makes a covenant with David to further explain that God’s forever kingdom will come from David’s lineage. Isaiah tells us that the coming Saviour will be born of a virgin and that He will be God with us in the flesh—Immanuel.
Flipping the pages of Scripture from this moment to when Jesus actually walked on earth reveals that this waiting would have spanned generations. The Israelites, at times, grew weary and became tempted to lose faith.
We will celebrate the virgin birth in just a few days. We wrongly use Advent to wait for a Hallmark-style Christmas miracle. While we don’t have a crystal ball to give us the play-by-play our life will take, we have something better. While we fear the unknown, we can be confident our promise-keeping God does not.
About this Plan
“Come, Thou long-expected Jesus, born to set Thy people free.” These words from a beloved hymn capture the heart of Advent: longing, waiting, expectation. Scripture builds our anticipation of our Saviour, God Himself who would dwell among His people and set them free from sin and death. Celebrate Jesus’ first coming as the baby born in Bethlehem and anticipate His second as the glorious King over all.
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