Advent Devotionals: Day 2

I love a good Christmas tree. There’re the ornaments, the star on top, and of course, presents underneath. Gifts are concealed in a box and a layer of wrapping paper then placed under the tree and we’re left to wonder what might be contained. Half the fun is trying to figure out what’s inside.

For many generations, I imagine Genesis 3:15 was curiously looked at in much the same way. In this verse God is addressing the serpent in the Garden. God says that the serpent will have enmity with the woman’s seed. This makes no sense because women of course have no seed. Well, it makes no sense unless you account for a child born of a virgin.

Genesis isn’t often the book we think of when it comes to Christmas but it’s actually the first foreshadowing of the Christmas story. Isn’t it amazing that in the midst of the heart-wrenching story of the Fall, there is a beautiful promise of hope? This is the first instance of sin but also the first instance of the Gospel being preached, and it’s preached by none other than God Himself. This is not the end of the story, it’s only the beginning.

God was not confused or unprepared; He had a plan already in motion. Whatever you’re facing this season, God isn’t caught unaware. He’s with you and knows what to do next.
           
Prayer: God, thank you for the reminder that you are present and aware of all that we go through every day. Help us to look to You first in every situation we face.

New American Standard Bible (NASB) Copyright © 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation