Tag Archives: advent

“And the Word became flesh, and he lived among us, and we saw his glory, glory like that of an only-begotten Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” (John 1:14)

On this final day of Advent, we celebrate the mystery of the Incarnation: the eternal Word of God became flesh and lived among us. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, entered the world in humility, taking on our humanity to redeem us and reconcile us to the Father. In Him, we see the fullness of God’s grace and truth revealed.
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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)

This prophecy from Isaiah proclaims the coming of Christ as the great light shining into the darkness of the world. Darkness represents sin, despair, and separation from the Creator, while the light of Christ brings hope, salvation, and the promise of new life. In Him, the darkness is dispelled, and we are brought into the glorious light of His presence.
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“And a rod will go forth from the root of Jesse, and a flower will ascend from his root. And the Spirit of Yahweh will rest upon him: the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and fortitude, the spirit of knowledge and piety.” (Isaiah 11:1–2)

Isaiah’s prophecy points to the Messiah as a new shoot from the stump of Jesse, the father of King David. Even when the line of David seemed cut down and lifeless, the Lord’s promise of a Saviour remained steadfast. From what appeared dead, new life sprang forth in Jesus Christ, the fulfilment of this prophecy. The Spirit of the Lord resting upon Him signifies Christ’s divine anointing, equipping Him to bring wisdom, understanding, counsel, might, knowledge, and reverence for the Lord. These qualities define His perfect reign and serve as a model for His followers. Through Him, we are invited to share in this same Spirit, transforming us into bearers of His light and truth.
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“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 is one of the clearest foretellings of Christ’s miraculous birth. The virgin birth of Jesus stands as a demonstration of God’s power and the fulfilment of His promise to redeem His people. The name Immanuel, meaning “God with us,” encapsulates the heart of the Incarnation: God has come to dwell amongst us as a loving Redeemer.
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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 foretells that the Messiah would come from Bethlehem, a small and seemingly insignificant town. The Lord, in His wisdom, often chooses what is humble and overlooked to accomplish His greatest works. The birth of Christ in Bethlehem demonstrates that God’s ways are not man’s ways—He exalts the lowly and brings salvation through humble beginnings. This prophecy also reveals the eternal nature of Christ: “his landing place has been set from the beginning, from the days of eternity.” The New Revised Standard Version reads: “whose origin is from of old, from ancient days.” Jesus is the eternal Word of God, who was with the Father from the beginning. His arrival in Bethlehem was both a fulfilment of prophecy and the unfolding of God’s plan of redemption.
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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, Father of the Future Age, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)

This prophecy celebrates the coming of the Messiah, describing Him with titles that reveal His divine nature and His mission to bring salvation. As Wonderful Counsellor, He is the source of perfect wisdom and guidance. As Mighty God, He embodies the power of the Creator. As Everlasting Father, He cares for us with unchanging love. And as Prince of Peace, He brings reconciliation between God and man. The birth of the Holy Child, Jesus Christ, changes everything. He is not merely a figure of history but the fulfilment of God’s promises, bringing hope and restoration to a fallen world. His reign is one of justice, mercy, and peace, and He invites us to experience the fullness of His kingdom even now.
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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, so to proclaim the acceptable year of Yahweh and the day of vindication of our God: to console all who are mourning, to take up the mourners of Zion and to give them a crown in place of ashes, an oil of joy in place of mourning, a cloak of praise in place of a spirit of grief. And there, they shall be called the strong ones of justice, the planting of Yahweh, unto glorification.” (Isaiah 61:1-3)

This passage reveals the mission of the Messiah, fulfilled perfectly in our Lord Jesus Christ. When He read these words in the synagogue in Nazareth, He declared that they were accomplished in Him (Luke 4:16-21). Christ came to bring good news to the poor, heal the broken-hearted, free the captives, and bring light to those in darkness. His mission is one of restoration, healing, and liberation.
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“I shall see him, but not presently. I shall gaze upon him, but not soon. A star shall rise out of Jacob, and a rod (sceptre) shall spring up from Israel.” (Numbers 24:17)

This ancient prophecy from Balaam foretells the coming of the Messiah, described as a star and a sceptre. The star symbolises His divine guidance, light, and glory, while the sceptre represents His authority and kingship. These images teach us that Jesus is both the light of the world and the rightful ruler of all creation.
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“Behold, the days are approaching, says Yahweh, when I will raise up to David a righteous branch. And a king will reign, and he will be wise. And he will exercise judgment and justice upon the earth.” (Jeremiah 23:5)

This prophecy points to the Messiah as the Righteous Branch from the line of David, a King who will reign with wisdom, justice, and righteousness. Unlike flawed earthly rulers, Jesus embodies perfect leadership, offering hope to a world longing for fairness and peace. His reign is not temporary or marred by religious and political corruption; it is eternal and rooted in divine love and truth.
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“Rejoice well, daughter of Zion, shout for joy, daughter of Jerusalem. Behold, your King will come to you: the Just One, the Saviour. He is poor and riding upon a donkey, and upon a colt, the son of a donkey.” (Zechariah 9:9)

This prophecy paints a beautiful picture of the coming Messiah, a King unlike any other. He is righteous, bringing salvation, and yet He comes humbly, riding on a donkey. This contrasts with the image of earthly kings, who often seek power and prestige. The Lord Jesus’ humility is His glory, showing that His kingdom is not of this world but one of grace, peace, and love. Advent invites us to rejoice in the same King who came to Jerusalem not in splendour but in humility. His entrance helps us remember that God’s ways are not like ours; His power is revealed in gentleness, His victory in sacrifice. Christ’s humility is an example for us, calling us to live lives of service and love, pointing others to His eternal reign.
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