For four hundred years—the time between the Old and New Testaments, what we now call the Intertestamental period—there were no prophets, no new revelations—just silence. Yet, this silence invites us to feel the weight of anticipation, reminding us that God was quietly preparing the world for His great act of love. Even in the silence, God was at work, preparing the world for the moment when He would send His Son. And after four centuries of waiting, the silence was broken. The Messiah came.
In this season of Advent, we pause to reflect on the moment that changed everything—the hinge of history. Over two thousand years ago, God Himself stepped into our world, leaving the glory of heaven to walk among us. At just the right time, He fulfilled His promise to reconcile humanity back to Himself. This is the story woven throughout the Old Testament, a thread of hope and redemption that finds its fulfillment in Jesus Christ.
But here’s the thing: when Jesus came, many missed Him. Despite the prophecies, promises, and clues, they didn’t recognize the Messiah. Why? Because they had already made up their minds about what the Savior should look like. A King born to peasant parents? A Messiah from a small town like Nazareth? It didn’t fit their expectations. And when our beliefs are firmly set, it’s hard to see the truth—even when it’s right in front of us.
This Advent, let’s not make the same mistake. Let’s open our hearts to the truth of who Jesus is and consider how He might reveal Himself in unexpected ways in our lives, deepening our faith and understanding.
God Uses People to Proclaim His Message
One of the beautiful truths about the birth of Jesus is that God uses ordinary people to accomplish His extraordinary plans. Mary and Joseph were not royalty or religious leaders. Mary was a young virgin, and Joseph was a simple carpenter. Yet, God chose them to be part of His story.
Throughout Scripture, we see this pattern. God used Abraham, David, Esther, and Nehemiah—flawed, everyday people—to carry out His will. And He still does this today. He invites us to be part of His story, to share His message of hope and salvation with the world.
Mary and Joseph’s obedience reminds us that God doesn’t require perfection; He desires faith and willingness. This Advent, consider how God might be calling you to share His message of hope and salvation with someone in your life who needs to hear it, inspiring others through your actions.
God Always Has a Plan
The birth of Jesus wasn’t a last-minute idea. It was part of God’s plan from the very beginning.
God promised this Good News long ago through His prophets in the holy Scriptures. The Good News is about His Son” – Romans 1:2-4.
The Old Testament is filled with prophecies about the coming Messiah. Micah foretold that He would be born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2). Isaiah spoke of a virgin giving birth to a son called Immanuel, meaning “God with us” (Isaiah 7:14). These prophecies, written hundreds of years before Jesus’ birth, were fulfilled in Him.
God’s plan wasn’t just to send a Savior; it was to send His Son to live among us, to experience our struggles, and ultimately to die for our sins. This plan wasn’t for God’s benefit—it was for ours. It was a rescue mission, a gift of salvation that we could never earn or deserve.
As we reflect on God’s plan this Advent, let’s remember that His timing is always perfect. Trust that, just as He fulfilled His promises in Jesus’ birth, He is working in your life according to His divine schedule, even in moments of uncertainty or chaos, strengthening your faith.
But when the right time came, God sent His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, in order to redeem those who were under the law, so that He could adopt us as His very own children” – Galatians 4:4-5.
God’s plan is still unfolding today. He is at work in your life, even in the moments that feel uncertain or chaotic. Trust that He has a purpose and a plan for you.
God Keeps His Promises
One of the most comforting truths about God is that He always keeps His promises. From the very beginning, He promised to send a Savior. Genesis speaks of a descendant of Adam who would crush the serpent’s head.
The prophets foretold of a Messiah who would bring salvation to the world. And in the New Testament, we see these promises fulfilled in Jesus. There are over 300 Messianic prophecies in the Old Testament, and Jesus fulfills every single one. Think about that. The odds of one person fulfilling even a handful of these prophecies are astronomical, yet Jesus fulfills them all. This is no coincidence; it’s evidence of God’s faithfulness.
God’s promises didn’t end with the birth of Jesus. He promises to be with us, to guide us, and to give us eternal life through His Son. And just as He kept His promise to send a Savior, He will keep His promise that Jesus will come again.
As we celebrate Advent, let’s hold onto the hope of His promises. In a world that often feels uncertain, we can trust that God’s Word is true and unchanging. His promises are sure, and His faithfulness endures forever, giving us confidence in His ongoing work in our lives.
Don’t Miss the Messiah
The tragedy of Jesus’ time on earth is that many people missed Him. They were looking for a political leader, a warrior king, someone who would overthrow Rome and establish an earthly kingdom. But Jesus came to establish a spiritual kingdom, one that would last forever.
How about you? Have you missed the Messiah? Maybe you’ve seen Jesus as a historical figure, a good teacher, or a prophet. But He is so much more than that. He is the Savior of the world, the Son of God, the One who came to rescue us from sin and death.
This Advent, take time to reflect on who Jesus is. Open your heart to Him. Don’t let preconceived notions or distractions keep you from experiencing the joy and hope of His coming.
Father in heaven, thank You for sending Jesus, the greatest gift of all. Thank You for Your plan of salvation, for using ordinary people to share Your message, and for always keeping Your promises. Help us to see Jesus for who He truly is—our Savior, our Lord, and our King. This Advent, may we draw closer to You and share the good news of Jesus with all those around us. Amen.
Exploring Our Faith: Questions for Reflection
1. How do you respond to seasons of silence or waiting in your life?
2. In what ways is God inviting you to be part of His story? Reflect on how God used ordinary people like Mary and Joseph to accomplish extraordinary things. How might He be calling you to share His message of hope and salvation with others?
3. How does reflecting on God’s fulfilled promises strengthen your faith in His ongoing work in your life? Think about the prophecies fulfilled in Jesus and how they demonstrate God’s faithfulness. How can this assurance help you trust His timing and plan?
4. Who is Jesus to you, and how can you deepen your relationship with Him this Advent season?