As we come to an end of this first week of Advent, let’s look back on this first week and review the prophecies that were fulfilled with the birth of Jesus.

• 4 centuries before the birth of Jesus, Malachi told us that God would send a “messenger” to His people.
• 7 centuries before birth of Jesus, Isaiah tells us the Messiah would be born of a virgin and be called Immanuel.
• 7 centuries before the birth of Jesus, Isaiah also foretold that a great child who would rule the world would be sent to us to be a Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.

Clearly, the birth of Christ was not a random act of desperation by a God who had no other ideas. Rather, this was God’s plan all along to redeem His people.

Consider Paul’s words in Ephesians 1…

For He chose us in Him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in His sight. In love He] predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with His pleasure and will—to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the One He loves. Ephesians 1:4-6 NIV

Don’t miss the phrase, “before the creation of the world” in verse 4. God’s plan of redemption was already planned in detail before creation!! This is mind-blowing and raises quite a few questions that are not easy to answer. It helps to remember that God is not constrained by our linear timeline and that He exists in all time-frames-past, present and future. He knows all of eternity already and ensured from the very beginning that we would have the opportunity to spend that eternity with Him!

Prayer emphasis: Thank God that He planned and provided for your redemption before He created the world!

For family discussion…
What parts about the prophecies concerning the birth of Jesus do you find most encouraging?
What are your thoughts about the idea that God’s plan to redeem your heart was in place before He created the world?