MORE Than A Babe In A Manger

12/05/23 – 12/09/23

Celebrating Advent

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  12/05/23

The weeks leading up to Christmas Day are full of exciting preparation with gifts to buy, parties to plan, and decorations to display. In the midst of the hustle and bustle, we look forward to celebrating the advent of Christ—God entering our world as a man “to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28).

However, the joy of the Christmas season can often be overshadowed by the brokenness of our families, the loss of loved ones, or even our own loneliness. In these instances, we are faced with the reality that many Biblical prophecies are yet to be fulfilled. Although Jesus defeated sin and death on the cross, Satan still “prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). We know this because sin and death are still ever present in our lives.

Our world’s abiding brokenness is precisely why Christmas should be a time for us to hope and prepare for Christ’s second coming, even as we celebrate His first. The fulfilled prophecies of Christ’s birth prove that the Biblical prophecies about His return will also one day be fulfilled.

In 2 Corinthians 5:16, Paul writes, “So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer.” At Christmas, it’s right for us to rejoice as we remember the baby in the manger. But Paul’s words remind us that we must no longer regard Christ as merely a helpless babe, for He is now and forever the risen and glorified Lord. And He will soon return to judge the world and complete His work of salvation and restoration.

As you celebrate in this Advent season, are you ready for the ultimate advent? The baby in the manger may not have come making demands, but the risen Lord of lords demands our all. The glorified Christ of Revelation is the one we will all meet on that great day when He returns to fulfill all of God’s promises and defeat Satan once and for all.

Prayer: Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! May this Christmas be full of hope as I look forward to the fulfillment of Your precious promises. Any lack, any suffering, pales in the light of Your glorious hope, faithfulness, and future. Help me to serve You as I wait for Your ultimate advent. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“[S]o Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him” (Hebrews 9:28).