December 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 #7 – the Messiah will be our Kinsman-Redeemer (Ruth 4: 4-17 and Luke 1: 50, 58, 68, 72). When Boaz redeemed Ruth from her forlorn circumstances, her life was turned upside down and inside out. There was no turning back to her previous lifestyle. God plucked her up out of her hurting condition and redeemed her in, for, by and through love. God redeems those who he loves, and the sending of Jesus his beloved Son was proof positive. The fulfillment of his promise to send a Redeemer came true in every way possible. How will you express your gratitude today for the myriad ways the Messiah Jesus has redeemed your life from the pit and crowned you with love and compassion?

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!

25 Fulfilled Promises of Christmas:

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

Compiled and composed by Stephen A. Macchia

Promise #6 – the Messiah will be a prophet like Moses (Deut. 18: 15-19 and Matthew 13:57; Luke 24: 19). God used Moses as a mouthpiece of the Almighty, a prophet to give voice to what he hears from the Lord. Jesus the Messiah, a member of the Triune God, was sent to earth to give voice to the Father’s commands to his children. As the incarnate Son of God, his disciples were to listen to his words. Prophetic words are both stern and compassionate; they are truth and life. What are the words of life and love that you need to hear today? If you hear his voice in the Scriptures, prayer, and in the still small voice, will you choose to listen and obey?

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!

25 Fulfilled Promises of Christmas:

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

Compiled and composed by Stephen A. Macchia

Promise #5 – the Messiah will be the star coming out of Jacob (Numbers 24:17 and Matthew 2:2). The brightest light in the starry sky would one day point the way to a humble manger scene where the offspring of Jacob was to be born. Shepherds noted the star in the sky as did the Magi…there was no confusion about the miracle the star had highlighted for all to see. As you gaze upon the dark winter sky and note the brightest heavenly stars, give thanks to the Lord for the fulfillment of his promises to you, whether you are lowly of heart or a leader of households. The stars in the sky remain for us as symbols of the faithfulness of our awesome and majestic Messiah. For what/whom are you most grateful this Advent season?

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!

25 Fulfilled Promises of Christmas:

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

Compiled and composed by Stephen A. Macchia

Promise #4 – the Messiah will be the passover lamb (Exodus 12: 1-51 and John 1: 29, 36). Moses’ instructions to the people of God on the occasion of the first Passover were to last for future generations…that is, until Jesus arrives and becomes the ultimate Passover Lamb. The redemptive work of Christ in all of our behalf is begun afresh in his incarnation at Christmas. No longer are we to sacrifice animals ceremoniously for the forgiveness of our sins. Jesus’ first coming is to prepare us for his second Advent and our eternal welcome “home”! In what ways are you preparing your heart to welcome and be welcomed by the Lamb of God, Jesus the Messiah?

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!

25 Fulfilled Promises of Christmas:

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

Compiled and composed by Stephen A. Macchia

Promise #3 – the Messiah will be a willing sacrifice (Genesis 22: 1-18 and John 3:16). Take a few moments and sit with Genesis 22, which recounts Abraham’s complete surrender to God through the window of his willing sacrifice of Isaac. Note how your heart stirs within you as you consider how you would have handled such an amazing (and nearly impossible) request. Can you comprehend how difficult this must have been for a loving father? What does Abraham’s submission remind you of today, as you hold fast to so many material, vocational, and even relational “possessions” which bind your heart and hinder your soul from the full freedom of faithfulness?

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!

25 Fulfilled Promises of Christmas:

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

Compiled and composed by Stephen A. Macchia

Promise #2 – the Messiah will be the descendant of Abraham through whom all nations will be blessed (Genesis 12:3; 22:18 and Acts 3: 24-26). Abraham embodies “faithfulness” unlike many other biblical characters in the Old and New Testament. His fortitude, integrity, and open-handed obedience are remarkable graces to contemplate. His seed is a blessed and abundant seed, thanks to the faithfulness of God. In what way would your life look different today if you had the faith of Abraham, who withstood the presenting cultural pressures of his generation and focused his heart-filled intentions on loving, serving, and pleasing God above all else?

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!

25 Fulfilled Promises of Christmas:

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

Compiled and composed by Stephen A. Macchia

For the next 25 days we will journey to the manger by way of prophetic promises declared in the Old Testament and fulfilled in the coming of Jesus the Messiah. This is not an exhaustive list of prophecies but each has been chosen for your personal reflection. May each set of readings refresh and restore your soul.

Promise #1 – the Messiah will be the seed of a woman (Genesis 3:15 and Gal. 4:4). Genesis 3 is known as the “first flicker of the gospel” – the protevangelium. Read this passage in context to discover the prophetic word spoken directly to the serpent…the proclamation that the seed of a woman will eventually come to do battle with the serpent, the enemy of our souls. That seed is the Messiah Jesus, the One in Whom we wait, watch, and wonder once more. His Incarnation is the long-awaited miracle that the prophets foretold long ago.  As you embrace this Advent season and anticipate Christmas, what “battle in your soul” do you pray that Jesus will reign over victoriously and set you free from this “battle of the flesh” once and for all?

Throughout this Advent and Christmas 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!