Advent - This Year Will Be Different, Part 3

Advent- This Year Will Be Different, Part 3

Recap

Advent is about God doing exactly what He said He would do even in the light of knowing everything about us.

Throughout the Old Testament, from generation to generation, the prophets spoke of the promised Savior. They would consistently remind the people how to recognize His coming and that God has not forgotten what He had promised. The promise was that the Savior would be born in the city of Bethlehem, the Son of a virgin, He would rule as a King through the lineage of David, and He would usher in an era of peace. All of Israel watched and waited filled with expectation. An expectation founded in their agenda as an oppressed people and not necessarily God’s plan for humankind.

Then on an unassuming night, God came just as He had promised. A young virgin named Mary, who was with child, traveling with her betrothed carpenter husband. They traveled from the burnt-out and undesirable region of Nazareth to Bethlehem to be counted for the Roman census. The little town of Bethlehem was filled with the decedents of David, and they took lodging in the only available space: a stable. Mary gave birth that night to their first-born son, wrapped him in rags, laid him in an animals feed bin, and gave him the name Jesus because He would save His people from their sins.

Just like that, in the tiny town of Bethlehem, a child was born, a Son was given. God steps into time and wraps himself in the frailty of flesh. He comes as the rescuer, full of compassion and power for those walking in deep darkness.

He came just as he said he would, to do what we could never do. Yes, the arrival of the Savior is truly the miracles of all miracles. But the elements of the arrival somehow are overshadowed by the motive for the arrival. God sent His Son Jesus, and Jesus freely lay down His life, both knowing that humankind would respond with rejection. That is the miracle within the miracle, that God sends, Jesus puts on flesh, fully knowing each of us. That is the greatest form of love!

Let this year’s Advent season become a time to reflect on the truth of His faithfulness. God always does what He says He will do.

This year will be different.

Scripture

Luke 2:1-7

Hebrews 4:13-16

Philippians 3:10-11

Let's keep the conversation going. Use the following questions to discuss with your family, friends, or Connection Group.

1. What does God want me to know?

2. What does God want me to do?

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