Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – December 23, 2018
All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: ‘The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’—which means, ‘God with us’”. Matthew 1:22–23
Prophecy predicted Christ’s birth, His life, and His second coming. Hundreds of years before His entrance onto earth, heaven directed men of God to describe His declaration of salvation for mankind. Christmas celebrates God being with us in the person of Jesus Christ. He is Immanuel, and He invites the human race to learn of His everlasting love.
The purpose of prophecy is not to chart out every intricate detail of how and when Christ will return the second time. Jesus said only His Heavenly Father is privy to these predictions, “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father” (Matthew 24:36). The purpose of prophecy is to validate what Jesus has done and will do in the future. The unknown of His exact return gives us a sense of urgency to prepare for His second coming, by doing His will while we wait.
Prophecy predicted Jesus would be born in Bethlehem, and He was. “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times” (Micah 5:2). He was to be born of a virgin and called Immanuel, and He was. “Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14). Prophecy affirms your faith in Christ.
Christmas is your opportunity to celebrate the accuracy of almighty God’s words spoken through His humble and obedient servants. Use this merry moment to bring joy to the hearts of those yet to believe and experience their heavenly Father’s grace and forgiveness. Be there for your family and friends, especially those who struggle to see themselves as precious in the Lord’s eyes. Christmas reminds us His best is yet to come!
Jesus predicted His death. “He then began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders, chief priests and teachers of the law, and that he must be killed and after three days rise again” (Mark 8:31).
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we celebrate the birth of Jesus to save us from our sins, in His name we pray, amen.
Application
Do I understand the significance of the prophecies Christ has and will fulfill? To whom can I extend joy in the name of Jesus during this celebration of His birthday?
Related Reading
Genesis 3:15; Galatians 4:4; Isaiah 11:10; Romans 15:12
Taken from Seeking Daily the Heart of God v.2
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Use this merry moment of Christmas to bring joy to the hearts of those yet to believe. #WisdomHunters #prophecy
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