Abiding in ChristmasSample

"Abiding in Christmas: Daily Advent Thoughts" by Bryan Craig

DAY NINE

"When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. When he commits iniquity, I will discipline him with the rod of men, with the stripes of the sons of men, but my steadfast love will not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away from before you. And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever." In accordance with all these words, and in accordance with all this vision, Nathan spoke to David. (2 Samuel 7:12-17, ESV)

Joseph, Jesus’ “stepdad,” was in the line of King David, which fulfilled all that God had been revealing in the Old Testament. God knew that men want a king. We need leadership. He was sending the King of kings. His kingdom is an eternal kingdom that can never be defeated or stripped away from Him. 

It’s so hard to accept, but this King was punished by God for our sins. He was perfect, not deserving of any punishment, and yet He took our place. He did this so we could be a part of His Kingdom forever. And we are not just subjects of the Kingdom but heirs too.  

APPLICATION: Does it make you think of Christmas differently when you think of it as a celebration of your adoption in the royal family? Because of Jesus, you are a prince or princess. Praise our King and thank Him for His sacrifice and His throne of grace!