The message of Christmas is the most profound decree in all creation and brings closure to the minds of many who are not sure about how they stand in God’s eyes. Our message of the coming of the Savior whom God promised long ago, is the base reason beneath the celebration of the first advent of The Messiah, Jesus, God’s Son. But how was life for the Old Testament Saints who never actually knew how Messiah would accomplish reconciliation for all people, both Jews and Gentiles who believe? Well listen is as we continue in a series of topical studies prepared especially for this Christmas season to highlight how Christmas is all about Jesus in a message called: “Twas the Life Before Christmas”
Old Testament Scripture Reading: Micah 6:6 – 8 (KJV)
Micah 6:6 Wherewith shall I come before the LORD, and bow myself before the high God? shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves of a year old?
Micah 6:7 Will the LORD be pleased with thousands of rams, or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?
Micah 6:8 He hath showed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?
New Testament Scripture Reading: Luke 2:21 – 35 (KJV)
Luke 2:21 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb. Luke 2:22 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord; Luke 2:23 (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;) Luke 2:24 And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons. Luke 2:25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him. Luke 2:26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ. Luke 2:27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law, Luke 2:28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said, Luke 2:29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word: Luke 2:30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation, Luke 2:31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people; Luke 2:32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel. Luke 2:33 And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him. Luke 2:34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; Luke 2:35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.
Transforming Power Statements:
#1) Although the promises of God were many and reliable, the Old Testament saints did not have the evidence nor even as full of an understanding as New Testament saints as to just how God intended to deal with the fulfillment of the perfect, awesome salvation that we now enjoy as it is in Christ Jesus.
#2) The sinfulness of man always has a tendency to alter the intent and course of the divine plan because of the deceitfulness of sin and therefore we must always allow the Word to be the final court and not human opinions.
#3) We are blessed that God has made His Gospel so plain and we therefore should have certainty and boldness to export the gospel against all forms of opposition and rejoice along the way.
