Jesus is the ancient king who came to earth, born of the Virgin Mary, to reign as King of God’s Kingdom for eternity.
Micah 5:2
Bethlehem Ephrathah, you are small among the clans of Judah; one will come from you to be ruler over Israel for me. His origin is from antiquity, from ancient times.
Prepare the Way
December 10, 2023 • Malachi 3:1–6
The Jews believed one would come before their Messiah to prepare the people for his arrival. John the Baptist was the messenger spoken of in Malachi, but he meets the criteria for the coming of Elijah and is obviously the one who prepares the way for Jesus’s coming.
John prepares the way by discerning between the faithful and unfaithful, preaching repentance, and preaching belief/faith in Jesus.
Just as John prepared the Jews to receive their Messiah, we too should prepare to celebrate the birth of our savior. We should celebrate, repent, and remember our faith in Christ.
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This is part of our 2023 Advent Series "Anticipating the Messiah."
7 Characteristics of the Messiah
December 17, 2023 • Zephaniah 3:14–20
Zephaniah https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sfb1abptgyk&list=plnhicf4wej2mgrwgrlit4-yrxjib89phm&index=2&t=194s–20
Sing for joy, Daughter Zion; shout loudly, Israel! Be glad and celebrate with all your heart, Daughter Jerusalem! The LORD has removed your punishment; he has turned back your enemy. The King of Israel, the LORD, is among you; you need no longer fear harm. On that day it will be said to Jerusalem: “Do not fear; Zion, do not let your hands grow weak. The LORD your God is among you, a warrior who saves.
He will rejoice over you with gladness. He will be quiet in his love. He will delight in you with singing.”
I will gather those who have been driven from the appointed festivals; they will be a tribute from you and a reproach on her. Yes, at that time I will deal with all who oppress you. I will save the lame [injured] and gather the outcasts.
I will make those who were disgraced throughout the earth receive praise and fame. At that time I will bring you [all] back, yes, at the time I will gather you. I will give you fame and praise among all the peoples of the earth, when I restore your fortunes before your eyes. The LORD has spoken.
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This is part of our 2023 Advent Series "Anticipating the Messiah."
The Righteous Branch
December 3, 2023 • Jeremiah 33:14–16
The Promise of a Messiah from the prophet Jeremiah:
Jeremiah 33:14–16
"'Look, the days are coming'— this is the LORD’s declaration— 'when I will fulfill the good promise that I have spoken concerning the house of Israel and the house of Judah. In those days and at that time I will cause a Righteous Branch to sprout up for David, and he will administer justice and righteousness in the land. In those days Judah will be saved, and Jerusalem will dwell securely, and this is what she will be named: The LORD Is Our Righteousness.'"
Jesus is the Davidic King.
Jesus is the Righteous King.
Jesus is the God-King.
This message is part of our 2023 Advent sermon series "Anticipating The Messiah."
