Category Archives: Lectio Divina

“For this reason, Yahweh himself will grant to you a sign. Behold, a virgin will conceive, and she will give birth to a son, and his name will be called Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14)

This prophecy given through Isaiah is one of the clearest signs of the Messiah’s coming. The virgin birth of Christ is a miraculous event that demonstrates the divine nature of His mission. His name, Immanuel, meaning “God with us,” reveals the heart of Advent—God stepping into humanity to dwell among us and save us. Immanuel is not only a title; it is also a promise. It means that we are not alone, that the Lord is near, and that His presence brings hope and restoration. In Christ, we encounter the fullness of God’s love and His willingness to enter into our brokenness to bring healing and salvation.

As we reflect on this deep truth, let us rejoice that the Lord does not remain distant from His creation. Instead, He comes to us in humility and love. Advent is a time to celebrate this divine nearness and to prepare our hearts to receive Him anew.

Set aside time today to reflect on the name Immanuel. Write down ways in which you have experienced God’s presence in your life. Share one of these experiences with someone who may need encouragement.

O Lord, we thank You for the sign of Your great love, the birth of Jesus Christ through the Virgin Mary. You are truly Immanuel, God with us. Help us to draw near to You and to trust in Your presence, even in our struggles. Fill us with the joy and peace of knowing that You are always with us. Amen.

“And you, Bethlehem Ephrata, are a little one among the thousands of Judah. From you will go forth he who shall be the ruler in Israel, and his landing place has been set from the beginning, from the days of eternity.” (Micah 5:2)

The prophet Micah foretold that the Messiah would come from Bethlehem, a seemingly insignificant town. Yet, it was from this humble place that the King of kings would be born—a ruler whose origin is eternal. This prophecy emphasises God’s habit of choosing the lowly and overlooked to accomplish His greatest works. The reference to Bethlehem, the city of David, helps us remember that God’s plans often defy human expectations. The Messiah’s birth in such a humble setting reveals the depth of divine humility and His closeness to the poor and the lowly. It also assures us that no matter how small or insignificant we may feel, God sees us and can work through us to bring about His glory.
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“For unto us a child is born, and unto us a son is given. And leadership is placed upon his shoulder. And his name shall be called: Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)

This well-loved prophecy from Isaiah proclaims the coming of the Messiah with titles that reveal His divine nature and mission. Each name points to an aspect of Jesus’ role in the world and in our lives. He is the Wonderful Counsellor who guides us with wisdom, the Mighty God who triumphs over evil, the Everlasting Father who cares for us tenderly, and the Prince of Peace who reconciles us to God and to one another.
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“The Spirit of Yahweh is upon me, for Yahweh has anointed me. He has sent me to bring good news to the meek, so as to heal the contrite of heart, to preach leniency to captives and release to the confined.” (Isaiah 61:1)

Here, Isaiah describes the mission of the Messiah, fulfilled in our Lord Jesus. In Luke 4:18-21, Jesus reads this passage in the synagogue and declares, “On this day, this scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.” His mission was clear: to bring healing, freedom, and restoration to a world broken by sin and suffering.

Advent is a time to rejoice in the good news that Christ came to bring. He entered the world to heal our wounds, to free us from the captivity of sin, and to restore our relationship with the Father. This mission continues today, as Christ’s grace works in our lives, transforming us and empowering us to share His love with others.
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“I will put enmities between you and the woman, between your offspring and her offspring. She will crush your head, and you will lie in wait for her heel.” (Genesis 3:15)

This verse, often called the Protoevangelium (the “first gospel”), is the earliest promise of salvation in the Bible. Spoken by Yahweh in the wake of Adam and Eve’s fall, it foretells the ultimate defeat of the serpent through the offspring of the woman. This prophecy points to Jesus Christ, the one who would crush Satan’s power through His victory on the Cross.
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“The sceptre from Judah and the leader from his thigh will not be taken away, until he who will be sent arrives, and he will be the expectation of Gentiles.” (Genesis 49:10)

In Jacob’s blessing to his son Judah, we find a prophecy of the Messiah. The sceptre, a symbol of kingship, would remain with Judah’s line until its ultimate fulfilment in Jesus Christ, the eternal King. Jesus is the Lion of the tribe of Judah, who rules not with earthly power but with divine authority, bringing salvation to all nations.

The Lord’s plan for redemption has been unfolding since the beginning of time. Through the patriarchs, the kings, and the prophets, He revealed the promise of a ruler whose kingdom would never end. (cf. Isaiah 9:6; Daniel 7:27) In Christ, we see the fulfilment of this ancient promise—a King who is worthy of all obedience, worship, and love.
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“Behold, I send my angel, and he will prepare the way before my face. And presently the Sovereign, whom you seek, and the angel of testimony, whom you desire, will arrive at his temple. Behold, he approaches, says Yahweh of hosts.” (Malachi 3:1)

The prophet Malachi foretold the coming of a messenger who would prepare the way for the Lord. This prophecy finds its fulfilment in John the Baptiser, who called the people to repentance and readiness for the arrival of the Messiah. His mission was to point others to Christ, declaring, “Behold, the Lamb of God.”
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“And a rod (shoot) will go forth from the root of Jesse, and a flower will ascend from his root.” (Isaiah 11:1)

This prophecy speaks of hope springing forth from what seems lifeless. The house of David, symbolised by the stump of Jesse, appeared cut down and barren, but Yahweh promised that a new rod—a Messiah—would emerge. This branch, Jesus Christ, would bear the fruit of salvation and establish an everlasting kingdom of righteousness.

The imagery of a rod indicates the life that God brings, even in the midst of desolation. In Christ, we see the fulfilment of this promise: the One who came to restore what was broken and to breathe new life into what was dead. He is the source of hope for all who feel the weight of despair, showing that the Lord’s plans are never thwarted.
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“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. A light has risen for the inhabitants of the region of the shadow of death.” (Isaiah 9:2)

A world without Christ is a world shrouded in darkness—lost, without direction or hope. Isaiah’s prophecy foretells the coming of a great light, a light that pierces through the gloom and brings life and salvation. This light is none other than Jesus Christ Himself, the Light of the World, who came to dispel the darkness of sin and death.

Advent is a time to reflect on the light of Christ that has dawned in our lives. It is also a time to consider the areas of our hearts that still cling to shadows. Are there fears, sins, or doubts that we need to surrender to Him? Christ’s light is not only for guidance but also for transformation, shining into the deepest corners of our lives to bring healing and peace.
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“A star shall rise out of Jacob, and a rod shall spring up from Israel.” (Numbers 24:17)

This prophecy points forward to the coming of a King who would bring light and authority to the world. The star rising from Jacob should remind us of the celestial sign that guided the wise men to Bethlehem, heralding the birth of Jesus the Messiah, the King of Israel and Saviour of the world.

Stars are symbols of guidance and constancy, shining in the heavens and illuminating the path in the darkness. In Christ, the foretold Star, we find the ultimate light that leads us out of spiritual darkness and into the warmth of God’s eternal love. His sceptre symbolises His authority as King, whose rule is one of righteousness and peace.
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