Christmas Starts in Genesis
I apologize for not posting anything the past two days. I guess I just didn’t have anything to say….I know, that is very hard to believe isn’t it?
This morning I’d like to start a series of Christmas devotionals running through…well….Christmas. I always like to read through the Christmas story at this time of year and if you join with me, we’ll walk through the journey together. I’m always anxious to read any comments you have…I think it adds to the entire process of doing this together. Before we get to the New Testament Christmas story, I wanted to begin where the story of Jesus begins, here in Genesis. After Adam and Eve sinned, giving in to the temptation of the serpent, God pronounces a series of judgments on Adam and Eve; but God begins with a judgment on the serpent. Here is that judgment from Genesis 3:
14 So the Lord God said to the serpent:
“Because you have done this,
You are cursed more than all cattle,
And more than every beast of the field;
On your belly you shall go,
And you shall eat dust
All the days of your life.
15 And I will put enmity
Between you and the woman,
And between your seed and her Seed;
He shall bruise your head,
And you shall bruise His heel.”
Do you see Jesus in there? Jesus first appears here in verse 15. Now, Jesus, being God, has existed forever. Jesus does not come into existence from this point but Jesus’ purpose comes into clearer focus. Jesus is the Seed of the woman mentioned in verse 15. Jesus is going to bruise the head of the serpent, Satan. Jesus is going to triumph over sin and death. Jesus’ birth is the first “visible” step of the process and plan that was set forth before the creation of man, and is mentioned first here in Genesis chapter 3. Jesus’ birth was never plan B for God. He was always plan A. As we begin our time together focusing on the Christmas season, let’s keep in mind that Christmas begins in Genesis.
“Father, I thank you that you have a plan from the beginning of the world. I’m thankful that You, in Your infinite wisdom and mercy, had a plan for the redemption of sinful mankind. Help me, this Christmas season, to put You first in all that I do. May this time of year be an offering to You of all my time, talent and treasure. In Jesus’ name I ask these things, Amen”
Looking forward to getting into the true Spirit of the Holiday through your daily blogs! Thank you!