notable events/promises leading to the coming/adven

December 1
A promise to Adam that one day a son
would deal with the problem the snake had begun. (Genesis 3:15)

2 When earth got so wicked, God warned of a flood,
provided a refuge: huge ark made from wood.  (Hebrews 11:7) (Genesis 6:12-14,22)

3 From Abram’s descendant, the whole of the world
could find full salvation, foretold and unfurled. (Genesis 12:3; 18:18,19)

4    Joseph they spurned, raised by God as a saviour –
preparing for time of great famine and hunger.        (Acts 7:9-16)

5 Moses appointed to lead them from slavery,
back to the land, to be taught, and be ready …        (Exodus 3:7-10)

6 King David was promised a Son, King for ever;
the Lord who would suffer, the promised Messiah.   (Acts2:30,31)

7 A temple to teach of his glory was built,
remind of his presence, his care, and their guilt … (Exodus 25:8)

8 Each sacrifice, offering was pointing ahead
to the need for an adequate Saviour instead.       (Hebrews 9:13,14; Isaiah 53:5,6)

9 Some of the kings helped the people to heed
God’s precepts, but many oppressed, led in greed.

10 Wonderful Counsellor, Teacher Supreme,
the Prince bringing peace, will arrive to redeem …       (Isaiah 9:6; Acts 7:37)

11 … to take our transgression, the punishment bear
that we may his joy and his fellowship share.            (Isaiah 53)

12 From Bethlehem, city of David would come
the Ruler eternal, that king’s greater Son.       (Micah 5:2 quoted in Matthew 2:6 by the chief priests to Herod when the wise men were enquiring where they should look for the newborn king)

13 The people and kings more and more turned away –
were warned they’d be conquered and exiled one day …    (Jeremiah 25:4-11)

14 … for 70 years they’d be captives out there –
many repented, turned back with true prayer.             (Daniel 9:2,3,19 Ezra 1:1,2-4)

15 Restored to their land, but struggling in weakness,
awaiting the One who’ll transform their distress.          (Jeremiah 31:31-34 Zechariah 13:1 Malachi 4:2)

16 Like Elijah of old, a prophet would come –
to call for repentance – they’d see the Christ soon.    (Malachi 3:1)

17 Zechariah was told Elizabeth would bear
a son, and this John would baptise and prepare.        (Luke 1:13-17; John 1:6-9)

18 Someone called Simeon, was told, before death
he would see God’s salvation – the Christ come to earth.      (Luke 2:25-35)

19 Amazing the message, and Mary believed –
she’d mother the Saviour – by miracle conceived.             (Luke 1:26-38)

20 Reassurance to Joseph, betrothed to be wed:
do not fear, for the son to be born is from God.             (Matthew 1:18-21)

21 They travelled to Bethlehem, because of the census;
while there, as foretold, Christ was born, come to help us.           (Luke 2:1-7)

22 Shepherds the news from the angel heard –
they went, saw, and told of this wonderful word.               (Luke 2:8-20)

23 Some wise men who noticed a new, special star
the newly-born king sought, travelling far.                  (Matthew 2:1-12)]

24 A nature bigger than the size
of manger where the baby lies
awhile
– he soon was seen to be so wise,
then dying on a cross – to save,
procure what everyone should prize:
this grace astounding he supplies
surpasses all that money buys:
one day to him we shall arise.          (John 1:1-5;14)

Christmas
excitements crackle –
brittle glitter;
smiles sparkle –
affection,
or affectation fickle?

God’s gift to a world hurt and hard
many can’t fathom, and choose to discard;
but its love that can dazzle, and ours ignite
to brighten our homes more than glitzy delight.