Remember, Reflect, Anticipate, Praise
Some years ago when our kids were still young, Geoff developed a way for us to honor the Sabbath each week. As a family, we considered Saturday evening to Sunday evening our Sabbath. So, on Saturday evening at 6 p.m. everyone was to be back at the house from wherever they'd been so that we could share the evening meal together and talk around the table. Each one of us, young and old(er) :), was to mentally review the events of the previous week and choose a time in which God was seen moving in their life. Once an instance was chosen we then reflected on how we saw God move, why it impacted us, and shared any other details of how God had blessed us. After each one of us shared, Geoff then encouraged us to keep an attitude of gratitude with anticipation as we looked to Sunday morning where we would have the opportunity to corporately praise Him with the church, and then enter the following week with our eyes open to see Him further move on our behalf. There were times when we had visitors at our table on a Saturday evening and we drew them into our time of contemplation and sharing.
My hope is that as we enter this Advent season we would keep such an attitude and share it with others. In exploring the prophecies clearly presented in the Old Testament scriptures may we remember what was foretold, reflect on how the Old and New Testaments together bear witness to the truth of Jesus Christ as our once for all Savior and LORD, not only read of His activity on this earth, but anticipate His movement in our lives today and be drawn to praise of His goodness to us.
Traditionally, the themes of each progressive week of Advent are hope, faith, joy, and peace.
Christ's Jesus's life, and all the details thereof, were planned by Father God well in advance of their actuation. That we find them recorded hundreds of years before their manifestation attests to both the love of our Father and His excitement over providing a permanent way for us to be reconciled to Him–something He longed for since Eden. He knew what was to happen and wanted all to know, so He revealed His plan through the many prophecies. The power of these prophecies is found in their fulfillment given the low probability of realization. Consider numerous authors, writing in varied eras, all pointing to the eternal impact of the ultimate combining of justice and love, and one man embodying every foretold word. The odds? Well, let's just say it takes misguided faith and a stubborn heart to NOT believe the truth of Jesus Christ's birth, death, and resurrection which offer true salvation for all who believe. May we set ourselves to hope, faith, joy, and peace as we remember, reflect, anticipate, and praise our Holy God.
Week One
Remember
When Jesus came to all the people of the earth He had created with His Father and His Spirit, some recognized Him as the one foretold in the Holy writings.The words recorded about a coming Messiah were not only well known among the Jewish people, but by leaders and sages in the surrounding regions. For those who witnessed the time period shortly after His birth, and the events comprising His ministry in the following years, I have no doubt their minds remembered words which promised a Messiah. I believe that all who felt that jump of recognition in their hearts had a choice. They could either believe and experience the revealing of a Savior right before their eyes, or close off their hearts and rebel against the loving hand of God. I believe some hearts must have responded in hope as they affirmatively pondered, "Is he the long-awaited Messiah? Is the fulfillment of all Messianic prophecies standing among us in this man?" As we read key prophetic passages in the Old Testament in the next few days, may we put ourselves, as best we can, in the position of those who experienced prophecies fulfilled right before their eyes. Will we respond in hope, gratitude, humility and surrender? Traditionally, the Advent themes begin with hope. God knows that remembering the things He has done and the promises He has made gives us hope. May our look into the prophecies this week stir hope in us at the magnificence of God's weaving of events over hundreds of years culminating in the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, His Son.
Let us remember.
Sunday, December 3
Isaiah 9:1-7 This prophecy mentions a great light that will dawn on those in darkness. A child will be born and through Him we have hope for peace. Through Christ, the LORD's government will never end, having come from the throne of David.
Matthew 4:12-17 This passage confirms that Jesus is the great light.
Luke 3:23-31 This is the fulfillment of the prophecy in Isaiah 9:7 of Jesus coming from David’s line.
Monday, December 4
Isaiah 60:1-7 The light and glory of the LORD shines, and nations, kings, sons, and daughters will come. Caravans will bring gold and frankincense, (Matthew 2:1-2, 11) and the LORD will glorify His beautiful house.
John 1:9-13; John 8:12; John 12:46 John testifies of Jesus being the light and Jesus speaks of being the light of the world and promises that those who believe in and follow Him will never walk in the darkness.
Tuesday, December 5
Setting the stage for our hope in Jesus. Jesus's lineage is through Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
Genesis 12:1-4 Abraham; Genesis 17:19 Isaac; Genesis 28:10-15 Jacob
Matthew 1:1-6 Jesus's genealogy confirms the above prophecies.
Notice some of the names of those included in the lineage of Jesus. Of course, none were perfect, but some were not even of Jewish lineage (Ruth, a moabite, verse 5). This indicated that God would be reaching even non-Jews with His offer of salvation through Jesus. Also, there are some whose profession is questionable, even among those who do not know God–(Rahab, a prostitute, in verse 5). Truly this speaks of God extending His hand of salvation to any who believe in Him and honor Him with their life. And, the mention of David and Solomon in verse 6 mentions Solomon’s mother as the one who had been Uriah’s wife. Why allude to David’s sin of taking another man’s wife? Jesus’s lineage highlights the failings of man, thus emphasizing our need for Him as our Savior. He came from a line of sinners, yet was perfect, without sin, and gives all sinners hope through the sacrifice of His life.
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Wednesday, December 6
David's revelation that his offspring will have an eternal kingdom because of God's promise.
2 Samuel 7:18-29
Thursday, December 7
Genesis 49:10 Again, confirming Jesus's lineage. These particular verses speak regarding Judah and the scepter indicates the authority and sovereignty of Christ's royal rule. The listing of Jesus’s heritage in Luke 3 confirms him in the line of Judah (v. 33), and ultimately as from God (v. 38).
Luke 3:23, 33, 38
Friday December 8
Isaiah 59:16-21 God laments there is none to exercise redemption for the sinful. A needed redeemer from Zion is prophesied.
Romans 6:22-23 The wages of sin is death, but God provided eternal life in Christ Jesus our LORD.
Romans 11:26-27 The one who liberates will come from Zion
Saturday, December 9
Isaiah 28:16-17 Prophecy of a cornerstone that will preserve the believer, but annihilate injustice, evil, falseness, and hiding.
Romans 9:33 Jesus as the stone in Zion. The believer will not be shamed.
Ephesians 2:19-20 Believers are members of God’s household, built on Christ as cornerstone.
I Corinthians 3:11 The foundation is Jesus Christ.
Week Two
Reflect
In the traditional order of the Sundays of Advent the second week calls us to faith as we reflect on the faith-filled actions of Joseph, Mary, and others in the story of the birth of Jesus. They gave their entire selves to what God said would happen. Think of Mary and how unbelievable the events would have seemed to those around her. Still, she and Joseph walked forward in full acceptance of what God had revealed to them. Their faith blessed all of mankind. Many do not have faith to believe and do not walk forward in the power of God as they did.
Let us reflect.
Sunday, December 10
Micah 5:2 The Christ will be born in Bethlehem
Matthew 2:1-6 His birth is confirmed by the esteemed wise men from the east. These were possibly astrologers and seekers of wisdom and truth. That they were aware of a king whose birth was to be marked by the stars speaks not only of other cultures recognizing the importance of his birth, but also of Christ's appeal to all people. After Herod received the wise men and heard their wonder at the birth of the King of the Jews, he brought in the Jewish authorities who confirmed the prophecy of the birth of a Messiah. Sadly, they delivered the information with the sterility that would characterize their lack of faith in Jesus as Messiah throughout His life and ministry in Israel.
Monday, December 11
Isaiah 40:27-31 It is quite possible that these words of encouragement were instilled in the hearts of both Joseph and Mary, both having been raised to revere and obey God. I imagine they drew upon these truths as they found themselves asked to obey God in ways that would most likely not be understood or well-received by those around them.
Matthew 1:18-25 Joseph initially decided according to traditional Jewish wisdom what to do with the news of Mary's premarital pregnancy–break covenant with her. But, once God, via an angel, informed him in a dream of the nature of the pregnancy, he moved forward in faith, committing again to take her as his wife.
Tuesday, December 12
Isaiah 7:14 These are the very words the angel spoke to Joseph from yesterday's reading in Matthew. The angel directed him back to the prophecy as confirmation that God was behind this very strange turn of events in his relationship with Mary. Again, he most likely also reflected and drew strength from other Old Testament words such as yesterday's passage in Isaiah 40 as he chose to act in faith.
Luke 1:26-38 Mary had a choice, she could respond in faith or in disbelief. She chose to walk forward in the real hope of God's strength after the angel brought her the news of what was to happen to her. Again, the words of Isaiah 40 may have been a part of the strength from which she could draw.
Wednesday, December 13
Luke 1:5-25 Before Mary was visited by Gabriel, Zechariah was visited, as he served as priest in the temple, by an angel informing him of the coming conception of his son, John. Zechariah's response initially was not one of faith.
Luke 1:57-80 Later, after the birth John, Zechariah sang a song of faith & praise for God’s fulfilled promises.
Thursday, December 14
Isaiah 40:3-5 One would come before Jesus and prepare the way for his appearance.
Mark 1:1-8 John is the fulfillment of the prophecy from Isaiah 40. We have hope of the promise of the Holy Spirit through Jesus Christ.
Luke 3:1-6 John's ministry was to prepare the people to receive God’s salvation.
Friday, December 15
Hosea 11:1 The Messiah will come out of Egypt. This would seem unlikely to the Jews; why would an Israelite be back in Egypt?
Matthew 2:14-15 Joseph and Mary flee to Egypt after being warned by God that Herod was out to kill the child. Truly God fulfills all the details of his foretelling with great accuracy.
Saturday, December 16
Psalm 89:1-8 and 14-19 God Himself is faithful. In this Psalm He promises to establish David's throne through a chosen one for all generations.
Week Three
Anticipation
All of Advent is truly anticipation. The word itself may be defined from the Latin, as "coming". When something GOOD is coming we look forward with anticipation to receiving it. The news of a Messiah, a Savior, a way to be reconciled to the Father, which is needed due to the fall of man in Eden, fills us with joyful anticipation. In traditional Advent themes, joy is the focus during week three. As we have recently read of the coming of John who would announce the Christ, and of the faithfulness of God, let us further read of the joy Jesus Christ brings.
Let us Anticipate.
Sunday, December 17
Luke 1:39-45 Elizabeth, 6 months pregnant with John, receives Mary, her relative, and both Elizabeth and John recognize Mary as the mother of the Christ. John, in the womb, jumps when he hears the voice of Mary. Elizabeth expresses amazement at God's work in Mary. There is true joy when one recognizes the presence of Christ Jesus, knowing that He is the only One to save them.
Monday, December 18
Luke 1:46-56 Mary responds in joy at the reception given her by Elizabeth and John, knowing that their joy stems from recognition of Jesus, the Son of God who grows inside of her. She is overwhelmed with joy and thanks and sings out in worship.
Tuesday, December 19
Isaiah 61 This chapter points to the coming Messiah as it begins with a passage on the work of the Messiah and ends with the statement that God will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations. Throughout the chapter Isaiah speaks of God actively blessing the people, which ultimately is expressed (verses 10-11) by rejoicing in God for providing garments of salvation through the Messiah to those who are His.
Wednesday, December 20
Luke 4:17-21 Jesus reads from the scroll of Isaiah (chapter 61) and states He is its fulfillment and the One anointed to bring good news.
Mark 1:9-11 Jesus came to John to be baptized by him. A voice from Heaven spoke clearly for all present to hear that Jesus was the Son of God. Not only had they heard repeatedly in the temple the Rabbi speak of the prophecies of the Messiah, but now they heard God's own voice confirming Jesus as God's son while Jesus was standing before them.
Thursday, December 21
Isaiah 35 Joy and celebration for the hope we have in our Messiah, Christ Jesus.
Friday, December 22
Psalm 16 with special emphasis on verse 10, which prophesies that Christ will not decay. In Christ's presence is joy and pleasure.
John 20:13-17 Christ Jesus was resurrected on the third day and his physical body did not experience decay; likewise He is alive and with us.
Matthew 1:23 Immanuel, God with us.
Saturday, December 23
Psalm 130 This song "sings" of joyful anticipation at the coming redemption.
John 1:1-5 John begins his testimony of Jesus by stating He is the Word of God and the light that shines in the darkness.
Revelation 19:11-13 Jesus is the Word, He is faithful and true, He judges and brings righteousness through His blood.
Week Four
Praise
The perfect response to the news of a needed Savior, to the coming of a long-awaited Messiah, is to praise God for His fulfillment of promises. Traditionally, the fourth week of Advent speaks of peace. The culmination of the good news of a Savior in Jesus Christ is the peace He brings through restoration of a right relationship with our God. We are lost, doomed, without the sacrifice of Jesus. His sacrifice began with him coming to earth, born of a virgin, then living as a man and experiencing all that we experience, and finally giving the ultimate on our behalf, His life on a cross to provide our righteousness in God's eyes. Jesus is the fulfillment of all the promises and prophecies about the Messiah, the Christ. In finishing our Advent readings today and tomorrow, let us praise Him for the peace He brings to us.
Let us Praise
Sunday, December 24
Isaiah 55 Many think you have to have already cleaned yourself up before coming to Jesus. This is not the truth of the Bible. He asks us to come without anything and He will freely give us what we need–Him, the true bread & living drink! When you receive from Him, the natural response is praise! In this passage even the trees praise the Lord for His gifts of joy and peace.
John 4:13-14(water springing up for eternal life); John 7:37-38 (Streams of living water) (Isaiah 58:11); Revelation 21:6-7 Jesus is the living water.
John 6:35,51 Jesus is the bread of life, free for all who believe.
Monday, December 25
Luke 2:1-40 The events leading up to and surrounding Christ's birth. The deep joy experienced by those privileged to see Him in the days immediately after his birth is evident in the reactions of praise by the shepherds, who went as soon as they heard; by Simeon who openly praised God as he held Jesus; and by Anna who spoke her thanks to God and told others of Jesus as the redeemer.
Matthew 2:1-23 Wise men came some months after Jesus's birth to bring gifts to the child and to praise Him. This event happened some time after Jesus was a newborn, as evidenced by the text stating that they visited Him in a house and also referred to him as a child. Herod, according to the time given by the wise men, gave an edict to kill all male children two years old and under. Verse 18 references a passage in Jeremiah 31:15. Again, the impact of Jesus's birth was foretold.
We just read in Luke 2:40 that Jesus grew and became strong, and was filled with wisdom and God's grace was on Him. We also know from the scriptures we have read this month, that He then became the sacrifice for our sins, our redeemer, so that we may be seen as righteous by God. We, too, can grow in strength, being filled with wisdom and God's grace. Praise Him for this precious gift of Jesus Christ who gives us life.
Let's give Him the praise and worship He is due this day, a day of celebration of His coming to us, Immanuel, our Savior and LORD.
For your extra information I found a little history. The traditional religious practice of Advent begins, not on December 1st, but on the fourth Sunday leading up to Christmas. Many different traditions have developed depending on the specific church, so there is a lot of variance as to the symbolism and use of wreaths and candles, plus activities that surround the period leading up to Christmas. I've only included a snippet here of what I have found.
"According to Saint Gregory of Tours the celebration of Advent began in the fifth century when the Bishop Perpetuus directed that starting with the St. Martin's Day on 11 November until Christmas, one fasts three times per week; this is why Advent was sometimes also named "Lent of St. Martin". https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advent
Wikipedia states that, "the first Sunday represents Isaiah and other prophets in the Bible that predicted the coming of Jesus. The second represents the Bible. The third represents Mary, the mother of Jesus. The fourth represents John the Baptist, Jesus' cousin, who told the people in Israel to get ready for Jesus' teaching." https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advent
A catholic website I found included the following information.
"The use of the wreath and candles during Advent are a longstanding Catholic tradition that was originally adopted by Christians in the Middle Ages as part of their spiritual preparation for Christmas."
"The wreath and candles are full of symbolism tied to the Christmas season. The wreath itself, which is made of various evergreens, signifies continuous life. The circle of the wreath, which has no beginning or end, symbolizes the eternity of God, the immortality of the soul, and the everlasting life we find in Christ."
"The first candle, which is purple, symbolizes hope. It is sometimes called the “Prophecy Candle” in remembrance of the prophets, especially Isaiah, who foretold the birth of Christ. It represents the expectation felt in anticipation of the coming Messiah."
"The second candle, also purple, represents faith. It is called the “Bethlehem Candle” as a reminder of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem."
"The third candle is pink and symbolizes joy. It is called the “Shepard’s Candle,” and is pink because rose is a liturgical color for joy. The third Sunday of Advent is Gaudete Sunday and is meant to remind us of the joy that the world experienced at the birth of Jesus, as well as the joy that the faithful have reached the midpoint of Advent."
"On the fourth week of Advent, we light the final purple candle to mark the final week of prayer and penance as we wait for the birth of our Savior. This final candle, the 'Angel’s Candle,' symbolizes peace. It reminds us of the message of the angels: 'Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men.'"
"The white candle is placed in the middle of the wreath and lit on Christmas Eve. This candle is called the “Christ Candle” and represents the life of Christ. The color white is for purity—because Christ is our sinless, pure Savior." https://www.mercyhome.org/blog/sunday-mass/advent-wreath/
