As we approach this Advent season, we can be encouraged about what Christ has done and we can look forward to what will happen. The word advent means simply, “a coming into being, or use.” In the first advent of Christ, he came to reveal the Father as a suffering servant. In his second advent, we will see him in glory.
Each day of Advent, I will share a “first advent” passage and a “second advent” passage. This is to help us keep a clear picture of Christ’s complete work. It will encourage us to live with reflective thankfulness for how Christ came. And it will empower us to live with hope and direction toward the future.
First Advent: Micah 5:2 2 But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days.
Second Advent: Micah 5:4–5 4 And he shall stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they shall dwell secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth. 5 And he shall be their peace.
God honored the little village of Bethlehem as it was the appointed birthplace of Jesus. In this chosen place, the world was promised that the eternal one would come and that the future would be secure, sure and peaceful. While we wait for the fulfillment of that peace at the return of Jesus, it now dwells in our hearts through faith. Let the hope of Bethlehem fill you today.
Prayer: O God of grace, we praise you as the One who planned for our peace. Thank you for choosing a little place to reveal your grand purpose. Do the same through me today. Let my single life reflect your redemptive purpose.