Category Archives: Lectio Divina

“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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“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’s words speak to us about God often choosing the unexpected to accomplish His purposes. Bethlehem, a small and seemingly insignificant town, was chosen to be the birthplace of the Messiah. From this humble place would arise the One whose origins are eternal, the King of Kings. (Isaiah 9:6–7; Daniel 7:13–14)
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“For this reason, the Lord 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)

As we begin this season of Advent, we turn our hearts to the ancient prophecy spoken by Isaiah. In the midst of turmoil, the Lord gave His people a promise of hope—a sign that would confirm His faithfulness. This sign, a virgin conceiving and bearing a son, would point to the greatest mystery of our faith: God dwelling among us.
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