“But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under the law.” – Galatians 4:4
Prophecies of the Coming Messiah
As we explore the first coming of Christ, it helps to reflect on the prophecies that foretold His arrival. The Old Testament is filled with inspiring messages from prophets who spoke of a promised Messiah. These messages remind us that God had a grand plan for salvation long before Jesus was born. When we think about these prophecies, we can see the incredible work of God leading us to that miraculous moment in history.
Isaiah 7:14
“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.” – Isaiah 7:14
Micah 5:2
“But you, Bethlehem, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” – Micah 5:2
Isaiah 9:6
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” – Isaiah 9:6
Jeremiah 23:5
“The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land.” – Jeremiah 23:5
Isaiah 11:1
“A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse; from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.” – Isaiah 11:1
The Birth of Jesus
The birth of Christ marks a pivotal moment in history. When we think about that humble stable in Bethlehem, we can feel the significance of this event. Jesus entered the world not as a powerful king but as a vulnerable baby, showing us His humility. This reminds us that God cares for us deeply and chose to become one of us. His birth brings hope and joy, reminding us of the gift of life and love.
Luke 2:7
“And she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.” – Luke 2:7
Matthew 1:21
“She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” – Matthew 1:21
Luke 2:10-11
“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.'” – Luke 2:10-11
Isaiah 9:7
“Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever.” – Isaiah 9:7
Luke 2:12
“This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” – Luke 2:12
The Announcement to the Shepherds
The announcement of Jesus’ birth to the shepherds reminds us that Christ came for everyone, not just the privileged. Imagine the excitement that filled the hearts of those humble shepherds when they were told the Good News. This powerful moment underscores the idea that all people are included in God’s salvation plan. We are invited to share in that joy and excitement as we find our place in His story.
Luke 2:8-9
“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.” – Luke 2:8-9
Luke 2:13-14
“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.'” – Luke 2:13-14
Matthew 2:10-11
“When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him.” – Matthew 2:10-11
Luke 2:15-16
“When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’ So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger.” – Luke 2:15-16
Luke 2:20
“The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.” – Luke 2:20
The Significance of Christ’s Arrival
As we reflect on the first coming of Christ, we can truly appreciate the significance of His arrival. Jesus represents hope, peace, and love. His coming fulfills the promises of God and reveals His great love for us. We can be filled with gratitude and joy knowing that through Jesus, we have been given the ultimate gift of salvation. Let us embrace this incredible moment and share it with others, spreading the message of His love.
John 1:14
“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.” – John 1:14
1 John 4:9
“This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.” – 1 John 4:9
Colossians 1:19
“For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him.” – Colossians 1:19
Romans 5:8
“But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8
Titus 3:4-5
“But when the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.” – Titus 3:4-5
Our Response to His Coming
As we celebrate the first coming of Christ, it is important to reflect on how we respond to His love and sacrifice. We are called to live in a way that shows gratitude for His gift. This means sharing the Good News with others, serving those in need, and loving our neighbors as ourselves. Our hearts can be filled with joy, knowing that we have the privilege of pointing others toward Jesus. This response to His coming should inspire us to act with compassion and kindness.
Matthew 28:19-20
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.” – Matthew 28:19-20
2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
Matthew 5:14
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” – Matthew 5:14
James 2:14-17
“What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?” – James 2:14-17
Galatians 5:13
“You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” – Galatians 5:13
Preparation for His Second Coming
While we celebrate the first coming of Christ, we also look forward to His promised return. This anticipation calls us to prepare our hearts and minds to be ready for His second coming. It is vital for us to live with purpose and intention, seeking to grow in faith and love. The first coming teaches us about hope, and this hope inspires us to stay vigilant as we await His return. Our lives can be a testimony of His grace, reflecting our assurance in His timing.
Matthew 24:42
“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.” – Matthew 24:42
1 Thessalonians 5:2
“For you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:2
Revelation 22:12
“Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.” – Revelation 22:12
Matthew 25:13
“Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour.” – Matthew 25:13
Acts 1:11
“Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.” – Acts 1:11
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on the first coming of Christ, we are profoundly reminded of God’s love for humanity. The prophecies, the humble birth, and the shepherds’ announcement all come together to paint a beautiful picture of grace and hope. We can rejoice knowing that Jesus came to save us and that He fulfilled God’s promises in such an incredible way. Let us be inspired to share this message of love and hope with those around us. We have a part to play as we prepare our hearts for His second coming, helping others to experience the joy that comes from knowing Him.
In this journey of faith, we can turn to the Bible as a guiding light. There are so many other inspiring topics to explore, each offering wisdom and encouragement. If you’re seeking freedom in Jesus or want to learn more about other Bible verses, I invite you to check out Bible Repository for further insights.
Let us continue to reflect on His first coming and prepare ourselves for His return, living as a testament of His love and grace.