Hebrews 1:1-3
“Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son, whom He appointed the heir of all things, through whom also He created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of His nature, and He upholds the universe by the word of His power. After making purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.”
How we love our Advent and Christmas hymns! Can you think of some Old Testament promises mentioned in them? Here are phrases from some Christmas hymns. Can you identify what song the following lines come from? (Answers below.)
1. “The hopes and fears of all the years Are met in Thee tonight.”
2. “Son of God; love’s pure light.”
3. “The Prince was born to bring you peace; Of Him the angels sing.”
4. “Ye who sang creation’s story, Now proclaim Messiah’s birth.”
5. “Nails, spear shall pierce Him through, The cross be borne for me, for you.”
6. “Son of the Father Now in flesh appearing! O come, let us adore Him.”
7. “Veiled in flesh the Godhead see, Hail the incarnate Deity!”
8. “He comes to make His blessings flow Far as the curse is found.”
For thousands of years, the world waited for a Savior from the sin problem. Right away after Adam & Eve sinned, God warned the devil (and gave hope to the humiliated humans) of the coming Savior: “I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel.”
For thousands of years, God’s prophets foretold the Messiah:
Isaiah 9:6:
“For to us a Child is born,
to us a Son is given;
and the government shall be upon His shoulder,
and His name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Jesus is the Messiah. The promised Savior. God in flesh made manifest. Under the Old Covenant, God’s people looked forward to His coming. And under the New Covenant, we still look forward to Jesus’ final coming. This time He’ll return not as a lowly Baby, but as King of the Universe. King of King and Lord of Lords! In the meantime, God gives us His gifts of Word and Sacrament as we wait.
This truly is the best Gift ever—Jesus, our Savior. We are blessed! We have a God who always fulfills His promises to us.
Questions
- What’s your favorite Advent or Christmas hymn and why?
- If you could write a new Advent or Christmas song, what promises of God would you want to include?
Prayer
Lord God, we praise You for being the amazing God that You are! Thank You for loving us so easily, even though we’re sinful from birth and sin each day. Thank You for forgiving us for the sake of Jesus. Please help us honor You with our lives. Please help us grow in faith and love. We look forward to Your return as King of Kings and Lord of Lords!
Amen.
Answers
1. O Little Town of Bethlehem
2. Silent Night
3. It Came upon the Midnight Clear
4. Angels from the Realms of Glory
5. What Child is This
6. O Come, All Ye Faithful
7. Hark! The Herald Angels Sing
8. Joy to the World
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