The Word Became Flesh – He Is Here!

He Is Here!

Our current series is entitled, The Word Became Flesh. It is taken from John 1, where John describes the coming of the Almighty.  He does not record the singing angels or visiting Magi as did Luke & Matthew, but he does share its theological equivalent – The Word Became Flesh.

Sunday is the second Sunday of Advent.  I know we do not follow the liturgical calendar – except, perhaps, in a general way, in sermon planning.  This is what I am doing in this series. Advent is observed as a time of

*Expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the Nativity of Jesus at Christmas… For Christians, the season of Advent anticipates the coming of Christ from two different perspectives. The season offers the opportunity to share in the ancient longing for the coming of the Messiah, and to be alert for his Second Coming.
*Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advent

Last week I discussed Israel’s longing for the Messiah. We learned that the Old Testament told a story that was left unfinished at the end of Malachi. Israel longed for the glory of the Lord to flood the earth. They longed for the Davidic King, the Messiah, who would usher in God’s Kingdom, eradicate all evil and injustice, and flood the world with righteousness and justice. They longed for the true end to their exile when God would finally forgive their sins and return them to their rightful place as the “light of nations.”

However, by the end of the O.T., none of this had happened.  Four hundred years pass and expectation reach a fever pitch. History, around this time, is full of would-be Messiahs either claiming the title or being so called – Judas Maccabeus, Simon of Peraea, Athronges, Judas of Galilee, Menahem ben Judah, and Simon bar Kokhba, to name a few.  These were either military movements or rebellions and most were put down soundly. It was into this setting that Jesus was born,  “But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son…” (Galatians 4:4).

Matthew 1:21-23   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.”  ²² All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:  ²³ “The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel”–which means, “God with us.”

Luke 2:9-11  An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.  ¹⁰ But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  ¹¹ Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.”

I’ll say more in my lesson.

Have a Great Week!  Joey