THE NINE LESSONS
(1) Genesis 3:8–15, 17–19, (2) Genesis 22:15–18, (3) Isaiah 9:2, 6–7, (4) Micah 5:2–4, (5) Matthew 1:18–23, (6) Luke 2:1–7, (7) Luke 2:8–20, (8) Matthew 2:1–12, (9) John 1:1–14.
REFLECTION
The nine Scripture texts usually read during the Eve of Christmas provide a concise history of God’s divine plan and purpose for humanity. It is, fundamentally, the history of salvation.
In Genesis 3:8–15, 17–19, we witness the sin and disobedience of Adam and Eve, which precipitated the fall of humanity. God had intended a glorious and eternal life for mankind within the Garden of Eden; however, that harmony was fractured by human rebellion.
Even as Adam, Eve, and subsequent generations strayed, God did not abandon His creation. In Genesis 22:15-18, He established a new covenant with humanity through Abraham. This serves as a profound indication that God never gives up on us; He always provides a pathway for our redemption. God promised Abraham: “Through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me” (Genesis 22:18).
The Prophet Isaiah later re-echoes this covenant promise in Isaiah 9:2, 6–7, declaring to Israel that the promised offspring would be a light to those walking in darkness. He revealed that this Saviour would be a descendant of King David, ruling as a just and righteous Sovereign. This message brought immense hope to Isaiah’s contemporaries, who lived under the shadow of the Assyrian Empire. In an era where many were spiritually deaf and blind due to sin, Isaiah kept the flame of the covenant alive. The promise was that this King would establish a new government: “And the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace, there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever” (Isaiah 9:6–7). This is why John reveals to us in the Book of Revelation: “‘I am the Alpha and the Omega,’ says the Lord God, ‘who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty’” (Revelation 1:8).
During a period of prevalent corruption and oppression, the Prophet Micah also assured the faithful in Micah 5:2–4 to prepare for the advent of the promised descendant of David. He prophesied: “He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth” (Micah 5:4).
Matthew 1:18–23 and Luke 2:1–7 testify that the everlasting covenant promised to previous generations has been fulfilled in the person of Jesus Christ. The first advent of our Lord and Master occurred when Mary conceived through the power of the Holy Spirit. Jesus—the promised seed of Abraham and the Heir of David—was born. Immanuel! God physically dwelt among humanity. God has fulfilled His word. Praise the Lord! Hallelujah!
Furthermore, Luke 2:8–20 demonstrates that the birth of the Messiah brought joy to both heaven and earth. The Good News brought divine favour and peace to the shepherds, who were considered insignificant by the social standards of the day. Indeed, Jesus came to elevate the lowly. Paul’s admonishment to the Corinthians is particularly relevant here: “By human standards not many of you were wise; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him” (1 Corinthians 1:26–29). Traditionally, when a king is born, royalty is informed first; yet, the King of the Universe chose to break the news to shepherds through a heavenly host. The era of grace was inaugurated by His birth, allowing the lowly to become beneficiaries of God’s favour. May this Christmas bring God’s elevation and blessings upon you and your family!
Matthew 2:1–12 indicates that the Lord’s advent was not for the Jews alone, but for the entire world. The Magi from the East represent the Gentiles coming to honour the King. This fulfilled the prophecy in Isaiah 60:6: “Herds of camels will cover your land, young camels of Midian and Ephah. And all from Sheba will come, bearing gold and incense and proclaiming the praise of the Lord.” Jesus is not merely the King of the Jews, but the King of all nations.
Finally, in John 1:1–14, we experience Jesus as the Word and the Light of God. Through Him, we have been granted the right to become children of God. This is the heart of the Christmas message and the essence of salvation. Anyone can become a child of God by accepting Jesus as Lord and Saviour, repenting, and trusting in His Word to bring light into their life. This message of peace, love, and hope must be proclaimed during Advent and Christmas. Throughout history, God has remained faithful to His promises. As we live in the era of the Second Advent, we are sustained by the Holy Spirit and empowered by sufficient grace. Let us continue to share the Gospel with those still outside the fold of salvation. May the Lord bless and keep us safe as we await the glorious return of Jesus Christ. Shalom.
PRAYER
Almighty and Everlasting God, we thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who is the fulfilment of every promise and the light in our darkness. We thank You that even when we fell into disobedience, You did not abandon us but prepared a way for our redemption. Grant us the grace to live as children of the light, following the example of the lowly shepherds and the wise men in seeking and honouring the King of Kings. Fill our hearts with Your peace and our mouths with Your praise, that we may boldly proclaim the Good News to all the world. As we celebrate His first coming, keep us steadfast in faith and watchful in prayer for His glorious return. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen.
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