Hi friends! It’s Advent—a season to reflect on the birth of Jesus and to renew our longing for His return.
Each year, we observe traditions and participate in activities that remind us of that holy night in Bethlehem: Jesus, born of a virgin, laid in a manger, surrounded by wise men, kings, and humble farm animals. Each of these things are true and good, but it’s important to remember the bigger picture, the bigger story. The birth of Christ is the pivotal chapter in the grand story of Scripture—the story of redemption and God’s enduring love for His people.
With that in mind, let’s take a look into the perspective of the Jewish people at the time of Jesus’ birth and fully embrace the JOY that began with the very first Christmas, over two thousand years ago.
The Long Awaited Messiah
The Israelites waited a very long time for the Messiah. In Genesis 1:27, God created man to be with Him. In Genesis 3:6, man and woman sinned against God. In Genesis 3:24, God drove the man and woman out of the Garden. 9 verses after they sinned, and 9 verses before he drove them out, God had already created a plan to reverse the consequences of sin and bring about salvation for his children.
“And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” Genesis 3:15
God spoke through His prophets about the coming Messiah throughout the whole Old Testament, from Genesis to Malachi.
After Malachi, God was silent, for 430 years. During this time between the Old Testament and the New Testament, there were several political shifts (Greek rule, then Roman rule), religious developments (Sadducees, Pharisees, etc), and a deep spiritual longing for the Messiah to come and deliver his people.
The Jews expected a great political and military leader who would free them from Roman rule. And many Jews during the 430 years of silence believed that their obedience to the law would bring their Messiah much faster. They heard prophecies like these:
“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” Isaiah 7:8
“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.” Micah 5:2
“Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom.” Isaiah 9:7
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
Yet when Jesus came, He defied expectations and brought something far greater than political freedom.
Jesus’ Upside Down Kingdom
Believing that their perfect obedience to the Law would quicken the coming of the Messiah, the Jews established a protective “fence” around the Law—additional rules designed to keep them far from violating it. However, the challenge was that the Law demanded flawless obedience, something no one could achieve (Deuteronomy 27:26).
The Law was seen as God’s covenant with His people, the thing that gave them their identity, and they anticipated a Messiah who would uphold and even magnify the Law.
But when the Messiah came, He taught that He came to fulfill the Law (Matthew 5:17) and offered a new covenant rooted in grace rather than rigid adherence to the law. Instead of coming to magnify the law, he came to fulfill it for His people.
Jesus took what the Israelites thought to be the Kingdom of God and turned it upside down. What the world saw as strength, power, and success, Jesus redefined through humility, service, and self-sacrifice. He did what His people could not do, bringing salvation that was far better than they had imagined.
The Bigger Picture of Christmas
The Christmas story is about Jesus’ birth, but it is only a part of the story. He was born as a human to fulfill God’s promises, to live a sinless life through the power of the Holy Spirit, and to die in our place. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus defeated darkness and brought the Kingdom of God to Earth.
In Ezekiel 10-11, God’s Spirit left the temple, symbolizing Israel’s broken relationship with Him. In Ezekiel 43, God promised that His Spirit would return to the temple once again. 430 years later when Jesus was born, he tabernacled among His people. And then He sent His Spirit to tabernacle among us until He returns again.
“And she shall call his name Immanuel (which means God with us).” Isaiah 7:14
As believers, we are now temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). This is why the Messiah came—to bring all nations back to Himself, to save humanity from sin and death, to heal and restore creation, to reveal the character of God, to be with us and to establish His Kingdom. And we get to help usher this into the world.
Why Advent Matters Today
Advent invites us to reflect on this good news: God is with us! He came, He conquered, and He will come again. As we celebrate, remember that you are a tabernacle of the Most High God. His Spirit dwells in you. Let your voice lift high this season over the good news that Jesus’ arrival changes everything.
This is why we celebrate Christmas—not just to remember a baby in a manger, but to rejoice in the King who came to save us, empower us, and bring us home. Let’s live as people of His Kingdom, sharing His love and joy with the world.