The Promise of Christmas: From Prophecy to Birth
A 28-day Advent journey tracing God's promise of a Savior from the Old Testament prophecies through the miraculous birth of Jesus Christ. Start on 1 December and you will read John 1, the Word made flesh, on Christmas Day, with three closing days to carry it past the 25th.
What you'll learn
- 1
The First Promise
The Christmas story begins in the Garden of Eden with God's first promise of a Savior who would crush the serpent's head.
- 2
The Blessing Through Abraham
God promises Abraham that through his offspring all nations will be blessed - a promise fulfilled in Jesus.
- 3
The Royal Line of David
God establishes an everlasting kingdom through David's line, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus, the King of Kings.
- 4
A Virgin Shall Conceive
Isaiah prophesies the miraculous virgin birth and gives us the name Immanuel - God with us.
- 5
Unto Us a Child Is Born
One of the most beloved Christmas prophecies - a child is born who will reign on David's throne forever.
- 6
The Branch of Righteousness
Isaiah describes the Messiah as a righteous Branch from Jesse (David's father) who will judge with justice.
- 7
Born in Bethlehem
Micah prophecies that the ruler of Israel will be born in Bethlehem - a prophecy fulfilled 700 years later.
- 8
The Messenger Prepares the Way
The Old Testament closes with a promise of a messenger (John the Baptist) who will prepare the way for the Lord's coming.
- 9
The Genealogy: Jesus' Legal Right to the Throne
Matthew traces Jesus' lineage through Joseph, establishing His legal right to David's throne.
- 10
The Announcement to Zechariah
An angel announces to Zechariah that his wife Elizabeth will bear John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ.
- 11
The Annunciation: Mary Receives the News
The angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she will conceive by the Holy Spirit and bear the Son of God.
- 12
Mary Visits Elizabeth
Mary visits Elizabeth, who confirms Mary's calling, and Mary responds with the beautiful Magnificat.
- 13
Joseph's Dream
An angel appears to Joseph in a dream, reassuring him to take Mary as his wife and explaining Jesus' divine conception.
- 14
The Birth of John the Baptist
John the Baptist is born, and Zechariah prophesies about his son's role in preparing the way for the Messiah.
- 15
The Journey to Bethlehem
A Roman census requires Joseph and Mary to travel to Bethlehem, fulfilling prophecy about where the Messiah would be born.
- 16
No Room in the Inn
Jesus is born in humble circumstances - the Creator of the universe welcomed into the world in a stable.
- 17
The Shepherds' Announcement
Angels appear to shepherds watching their flocks, announcing the birth of the Savior with 'Glory to God in the highest!'
- 18
The Shepherds Worship
The shepherds hurry to Bethlehem, find Jesus, and become the first evangelists of the good news.
- 19
The Circumcision and Naming
On the eighth day, Jesus is circumcised and officially named, fulfilling the law and the angel's instruction.
- 20
Presented at the Temple
Mary and Joseph take Jesus to the temple in Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord according to the Law of Moses.
- 21
Simeon's Song
Simeon, a righteous man who had been promised he would see the Messiah, takes Jesus in his arms and praises God.
- 22
Anna's Testimony
Anna, a prophetess, recognizes Jesus as the Messiah and gives thanks to God, speaking of Him to all who awaited redemption.
- 23
The Wise Men's Journey
Wise men from the East follow a star to find the newborn King, worship Him, and present gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
- 24
Escape to Egypt
An angel warns Joseph to flee to Egypt to escape Herod's murderous plot, fulfilling the prophecy 'Out of Egypt I called my son.'
- 25
The Word Became Flesh - Christmas Day!
On Christmas Day, we celebrate the profound mystery: the eternal Word, who was with God and was God, became flesh and lived among us.
- 26
The Purpose of His Coming
Jesus clearly stated His mission: to seek and save the lost. Christmas is about God's rescue mission for humanity.
- 27
Our Response: Worship and Witness
The proper response to Jesus' birth is worship and witness - just as the shepherds and wise men demonstrated.
- 28
Living in Light of Christmas
Paul reminds us that Jesus' incarnation is a model for how we should live - in humility, obedience, and service to others.
Sample lesson
The First Promise
The Christmas story begins in the Garden of Eden with God's first promise of a Savior who would crush the serpent's head.
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