Long Expected Devotional – Introduction
LONG EXPECTED 2023 ADVENT GUIDE
Introduction
“I see Him, but not now; I behold Him, but not near:
A Star shall come out of Jacob, and a Scepter shall rise out of Israel.’ Numbers 24:17
Prophecies like Numbers 24:17 and Zechariah 6:12-13 filled the Jewish people with a hope that God would one day send a Deliverer. The star, the branch, and the scepter became symbols associated with this messianic figure who would fill the roles of Prophet, Priest, and King.
- Prophet (star): The One who reflects the Light of God’s Word.
- Priest (branch): The One interceding on our behalf and through whom we are grafted in as God’s children.
- King (scepter): The One who will reign over all creation forevermore.
The season of Advent (meaning “arrival” or “coming”) is a time when the Church rejoices over the first coming of Jesus, this long expected Messiah, who humbled Himself by entering our world as a little baby. It is a joyful time as we reflect on the truth that that little baby in a manger is our Prophet, Priest, and King. Advent is also a time when we watch and wait for His second coming, when He will victoriously return to judge the living and the dead. It truly is the most wonderful time of the year!
But because of all the hustle and bustle the comes this time of year, it can quickly change from being the most wonderful to the most stressful. So, our hope is that this devotional will help direct our eyes back to Jesus; the “reason for the season.”
This guide is laid out in two sections. The first section contains the Advent devotionals. These devotionals are intended to be read once a week on Sunday for six consecutive Sundays, starting the first Sunday of Advent, as well as Christmas Day. This guide goes through the week after Christmas, so be sure to continue reading after Christmas. Each devotional includes discussion questions and daily readings for the remainder of the week.
Thank You for taking the time to work through this guide during the Advent season. We pray that God’s Spirit might use it to grow each of us in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus the Christ.
‘And say to him, “Thus says the Lord, “Behold, the Man whose name is the Branch: for He shall branch out from His place, and He shall build the temple of the Lord. It is He who shall build the temple of the Lord and shall bear royal honor and shall sit and rule on His throne. And there shall be a Priest on His throne, and the counsel of peace shall be between them both.”’
Zechariah 6:12-13