December 17, 2017

25 Fulfilled Promises of Christmas:

Advent Reflections for those who Wait, Watch, and Wonder Once More

Compiled and composed by Stephen A. Macchia

Promise #17 – the Messiah will be the Suffering Servant (Isaiah 52: 13-53:12 and Luke 22:20; Matthew 8:16-17). With “no beauty to attract us” and “nothing in his appearance that we should desire him” he was “despised and rejected, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.” Why all of this for our Messiah Jesus? In order that he might take up our infirmities and bear the curse of our diseases…to show his incredible love for his beloved disciples. If you are a parent, you understand this concept: we would much rather suffer ourselves than have our child-who-we-love suffer. What are the marks of suffering you are enduring as you await the loving embrace of our empathetic Jesus? Will you let Jesus heal, restore and transform?

Throughout this holy season, may you and yours…Behold the fulfilled promises of Almighty God ~ Believe the Gospel proclamation of Good News in the incarnate Jesus ~ Belong to those who anticipate the coming Messiah with joyful celebration ~ Become a faithful disciple who waits, watches, and wonders with Spirit-filled anticipation once more!