First Advent Lord's Day Sunday

Today, on this Lord’s Day Sunday, we begin our Advent Season, the period of the year when many who believe in Jesus, Son of God, celebrate His First Coming. Indeed, this is the first Sunday in Advent and we look forward to every offering that has been already air marked and earmarked for us.

We do not know what is installed for us, but we do know that Jesus, God Incarnate, He whom we celebrate and worship, bears a Name that is above all names. He whom we celebrate with undisturbed faith, uncompromising hope, unedited truth and unsurpassed assurance, bears a Name which God has fully exalted. Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. Philippians 2: 9 – 11.

We are told that even before the birth of the child, God is very specific, careful and precise about the name and nature of the child who is in Mary’s womb. This word is given to Joseph, Mary’s husband, who is being given a new and understanding mind, a new and cooperative spirit and a new and more surrendered heart. God sends His heavenly messenger to Joseph, who schools him well, concerning the baby to be soon born. She will give birth to a son and you will give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. Matthew 1: 21.

The Name of Jesus, which God has exalted, is commensurate with the Nature of Jesus. Jesus is above all in Name and Nature and God has ever been quite clear about this fact, even from the inception of the coming of His Son.

During this first week of Advent, we shall be taken, to different points in this Christmas or Advent Story, where God has made His Son’s coming really dramatic for all involved. We shall also be made conscious of two facts about Father, Sovereign God, in the coming of His Son, our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. The first consciousness is that what we are about to witness, is still relevant today, for God has not changed His mind about His incarnation. Secondly, not everybody in Bethlehem at the time, or who were in the environs of Bethlehem was privy to this spectacular event.

Yes! I’m referring to the appearance of the angels, in the sight of the shepherds. This is what the verse says

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those with whom his favor rests. Luke 2: 13 – 14. Very familiar words, aren’t they?

Yes! We read them, hear them read and sung, and we recite them every single Advent Season. They are extremely familiar to many believers including myself, yet, I am thrilled and left in total deference to the Holy Spirit. He is the only Person who can accomplish such works in us.

Throughout the week, He will place us at Decision Points where we either go one way or the other.