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Advent and the Gospels


              The birth of Christ receives far less detail than the ministry and death of Christ in the Gospel narratives recording His life.  Yet every year people around the world focus on His birth.  Some of these people don’t have any idea who the Christ of Christmas really is.  The four Gospel writers each share a unique narrative about His birth.  They don’t contradict each other; they simply highlight different peculiarities around His birth.  For the next four weeks, we will explore each Gospel narrative as we prepare our hearts to celebrate the birth of Christ on Christmas Day.
              Rather than start with Matthew, let’s begin with the Gospel of Mark.  Mark’s gospel doesn’t even mention His birth.  Mark’s gospel was the earliest written description of the incredible life of Christ.  He wrote his gospel around AD 62.  Before his written version, Christians’ shared the stories of Jesus orally from their first-hand encounters.  Mark’s gospel reveals Christ as the servant.  We think of His gospel as written for the people of his time—the Romans.  They would not be impressed by Jesus’ genealogy, so Mark emphasizes the miracles of Jesus.  His gospel is the action packed-gospel.  The birth of Christ—promised by God to King David hundreds of years earlier—would not appeal to the non-Jew.  This is probably the reason the remarkable birth of Christ is not highlighted.  Mark begins his gospel with these words:
The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God, as it is written in Isaiah the prophet: “I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way”—“a voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’” And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. (Mark 1:1-5)
              No details about the birth of Christ, except a reference to the prophecy about a messenger who will prepare the way for Jesus the Messiah.  Mark’s gospel begins by picking up with the place the last book of the Old Testament ended (Malachi 4:5--“See, I will send the prophet Elijah to you before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes.  He will turn the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their parents; or else I will come and strike the land with total destruction.”
              Mark’s gospel shows us that the existence of Jesus Christ on this earth was not an accident.  It was detailed by the prophets of old.  He is the one about whom all the prophets were speaking.  Each prophet gave unique and detailed highlights about the birth of Christ. 
              The birth of Christ has only been known for a little over 2000 years.  The first Christians celebrated His birth openly on December 25 under the Roman Rule of Constantine 300 years after his birth.  No one knows the exact date of Jesus’ birth.  But we do know some other details simply because they were foretold hundreds of years before His birth and they took on new meaning after Christ died and rose again. 
              There are over 400 prophesies about Christ spread throughout the Old Testament.  Around 350 of them have been fulfilled in Jesus’ first coming.  His second coming will fulfill the remaining prophesies.  Some that were foretold of his birth are:
1.       Born of a virgin (Isaiah 7:14—Matthew 1:23)
2.       Born in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2—Matthew 2:6)
3.       Great mourning for the mothers of Bethlehem (Jeremiah 31:15-Matthew 2:18)
4.       Jesus would be called out of Egypt (Hosea 11:1—Matthew 2:15)

              It’s not surprising that our amazing Savior would have such an amazing birth.  If you would like to know more of the prophesies of Jesus Christ a list is provided below.  Mark’s gospel reminds us that Jesus birth was long awaited.  It is no surprise that the whole world is nudged to peace and kindness around December 25.

Copyright © 2017.  Deborah R. Newman  teatimeforyoursoul.com  All Rights Reserved.

You can order my new Advent Devotional from Amazon today for yourself and as a gift for friends.  The first Sunday of Advent is December 3, 2017:
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http://www.accordingtothescriptures.org/prophecy/353prophecies.html

Scripture

Prophecy

Fulfillment


Seed of a woman (virgin birth)
He will bruise Satan's head
Christ's heel would be bruised with nails on the cross
Seed of Abraham will bless all nations
The Promise made to Abraham's Seed
A priest after the order of Melchizedek
King of Peace and Righteousness
The Last Supper foreshadowed
Seed of Isaac (Gen. 21:12)
12. Gen. 22:8
The Lamb of God promised
As Isaac's seed, will bless all nations
The Seed of Isaac promised as the Redeemer
The Bridge to heaven
The Seed of Jacob
The Seed of Judah
Called Shiloh or One Sent
Messiah to come before Judah lost identity
Unto Him shall the obedience of the people be
The Great "I AM"
The Lamb presented to Israel 4 days before Passover
24. Ex. 12:5
A Lamb without blemish
25. Ex. 12:13
The blood of the Lamb saves from wrath
Christ is our Passover
27. Ex. 12:46
Not a bone of the Lamb to be broken
28. Ex. 15:2
His exaltation predicted as Yeshua
29. Ex. 15:11
His Character-Holiness
30. Ex. 17:6
The Spiritual Rock of Israel
31. Ex. 33:19
His Character-Merciful
His sacrifice a sweet smelling savor unto God
The leper cleansed-Sign to priesthood
Prefigures Christ's once-for-all death
Suffering outside the Camp
The Blood-the life of the flesh
It is the blood that makes atonement
The Drink-offering: "If any man thirst"
39. Num. 9:12
Not a bone of Him broken
40. Num. 21:9
The serpent on a pole-Christ lifted up
Time: "I shall see him, but not now."
"This is of a truth that prophet."
"Had ye believed Moses, ye would believe me."
Sent by the Father to speak His word
Whoever will not hear must bear his sin
Cursed is he that hangs on a tree
The Captain of our salvation
Christ, our kinsman, has redeemed us
A Faithful Priest
Shall be an anointed King to the Lord
David's Seed
His Kingdom is everlasting
The Son of God
David's house established forever
The bodily ascension to heaven illustrated
David's Seed
To reign on David's throne forever
"I will be His Father, He...my Son."
Mediator between man and God
The Resurrection predicted
The enmity of kings foreordained
62. Psa. 2:2
To own the title, Anointed (Christ)
63. Psa. 2:6
His Character-Holiness
64. Psa. 2:6
To own the title King
65. Psa. 2:7
Declared the Beloved Son
66. Psa. 2:7, 8
The Crucifixion and Resurrection intimated
67. Psa. 2:8, 9
Rule the nations with a rod of iron
68. Psa. 2:12
Life comes through faith in Him
69. Psa. 8:2
The mouths of babes perfect His praise
70. Psa. 8:5, 6
His humiliation and exaltation
Judge the world in righteousness
Was not to see corruption
Was to arise from the dead
The resurrection predicted
The horn of salvation
76. Psa. 22:1
Forsaken because of sins of others
77. Psa. 22:1
"My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?"
78. Psa. 22:2
Darkness upon Calvary for three hours
79. Psa. 22:7
They shoot out the lip and shake the head
80. Psa. 22:8
"He trusted in God, let Him deliver Him"
Born the Saviour
They seek His death
His blood poured out when they pierced His side
84. Psa. 22:14, 15
Suffered agony on Calvary
He thirsted
They pierced His hands and His feet
87. Psa. 22:17, 18
Stripped Him before the stares of men
They parted His garments
89. Psa. 22:20, 21
He committed Himself to God
90. Psa. 22:20, 21
Satanic power bruising the Redeemer's heel
His Resurrection declared
He shall be the governor of the nations
"It is finished"
94. Psa. 23:1
"I am the Good Shepherd"
95. Psa. 24:3
His exaltation predicted
96. Psa. 30:3
His resurrection predicted
97. Psa. 31:5
"Into thy hands I commit my spirit"
His acquaintances fled from Him
They took counsel to put Him to death
100. Psa. 31:14, 15
"He trusted in God, let Him deliver him"
101. Psa. 34:20
Not a bone of Him broken
102. Psa. 35:11
False witnesses rose up against Him
103. Psa. 35:19
He was hated without a cause
104. Psa. 38:11
His friends stood afar off
105. Psa. 38:12
Enemies try to entangle Him by craft
Silent before His accusers
107. Psa. 38:20
He went about doing good
The joy of His resurrection predicted
His delight-the will of the Father
110. Psa. 40:9
He was to preach the Righteousness in Israel
111. Psa. 40:14
Confronted by adversaries in the Garden
112. Psa. 41:9
Betrayed by a familiar friend
113. Psa. 45:2
Words of Grace come from His lips
114. Psa. 45:6
To own the title, God or Elohim
115. Psa. 45:7
A special anointing by the Holy Spirit
116. Psa. 45:7, 8
Called the Christ (Messiah or Anointed)
117. Psa. 45:17
His name remembered forever
Betrayed by a friend, not an enemy
119. Psa. 55:15
Unrepentant death of the Betrayer
120. Psa. 68:18
To give gifts to men
121. Psa. 68:18
Ascended into Heaven
122. Psa. 69:4
Hated without a cause
123. Psa. 69:8
A stranger to own brethren
124. Psa. 69:9
Zealous for the Lord's House
Messiah's anguish of soul before crucifixion
126. Psa. 69:20
"My soul is exceeding sorrowful."
127. Psa. 69:21
Given vinegar in thirst
128. Psa. 69:26
The Saviour given and smitten by God
129. Psa. 72:10, 11
Great persons were to visit Him
130. Psa. 72:16
The corn of wheat to fall into the Ground
131. Psa. 72:17
Belief on His name will produce offspring
132. Psa. 72:17
All nations shall be blessed by Him
133. Psa. 72:17
All nations shall call Him blessed
He would teach in parables
135. Psa. 78:2
To speak the Wisdom of God with authority
136. Psa. 80:17
The Man of God's right hand
137. Psa. 88
The Suffering and Reproach of Calvary
138. Psa. 88:8
They stood afar off and watched
139. Psa. 89:27
Firstborn
140. Psa. 89:27
Emmanuel to be higher than earthly kings
David's Seed, throne, kingdom endure forever
His character-Faithfulness
143. Psa. 90:2
He is from everlasting (Micah 5:2)
144. Psa. 91:11, 12
Identified as Messianic; used to tempt Christ
145. Psa. 97:9
His exaltation predicted
146. Psa. 100:5
His character-Goodness
The Suffering and Reproach of Calvary
Messiah is the Preexistent Son
Ridiculed
150. Psa. 110:1
Son of David
151. Psa. 110:1
To ascend to the right-hand of the Father
152. Psa. 110:1
David's son called Lord
153. Psa. 110:4
A priest after Melchizedek's order
154. Psa. 112:4
His character-Compassionate, Gracious, et al
155. Psa. 118:17, 18
Messiah's Resurrection assured
156. Psa. 118:22, 23
The rejected stone is Head of the corner
The Blessed One presented to Israel
To come while Temple standing
The Seed of David (the fruit of His Body)
160. Psa. 129:3
He was scourged
The supremacy of David's Seed amazes kings
162. Psa. 147:3, 6
The earthly ministry of Christ described
163. Prov. 1:23
He will send the Spirit of God
164. Prov. 8:23
Foreordained from everlasting
165. Song. 5:16
The altogether lovely One
166. Isa. 2:3
He shall teach all nations
167. Isa. 2:4
He shall judge among the nations
168. Isa. 6:1
When Isaiah saw His glory
169. Isa. 6:8
The One Sent by God
Parables fall on deaf ears
Blinded to Christ and deaf to His words
172. Isa. 7:14
To be born of a virgin
173. Isa. 7:14
To be Emmanuel-God with us
174. Isa. 8:8
Called Emmanuel
175. Isa. 8:14
A stone of stumbling, a Rock of offense
176. Isa. 9:1, 2
His ministry to begin in Galilee
177. Isa. 9:6
A child born-Humanity
178. Isa. 9:6
A Son given-Deity
179. Isa. 9:6
Declared to be the Son of God with power
180. Isa. 9:6
The Wonderful One, Peleh
181. Isa. 9:6
The Counsellor, Yaatz
182. Isa. 9:6
The Mighty God, El Gibor
183. Isa. 9:6
The Everlasting Father, Avi Adth
184. Isa. 9:6
The Prince of Peace, Sar Shalom
185. Isa. 9:7
Inherits the throne of David
186. Isa. 9:7
His Character-Just
187. Isa. 9:7
No end to his Government, Throne, and kingdom
188. Isa. 11:1
Called a Nazarene-the Branch, Netzer
189. Isa. 11:1
A rod out of Jesse-Son of Jesse
190. Isa. 11:2
Anointed One by the Spirit
191. Isa. 11:2
His Character-Wisdom, Knowledge, et al
192. Isa. 11:3
He would know their thoughts
193. Isa. 11:4
Judge in righteousness
194. Isa. 11:4
Judges with the sword of His mouth
195. Isa. 11:5
Character: Righteous & Faithful
196. Isa. 11:10
The Gentiles seek Him
197. Isa. 12:2
Called Jesus-Yeshua
198. Isa. 22:22
The One given all authority to govern
199. Isa. 25:8
The Resurrection predicted
200. Isa. 26:19
His power of Resurrection predicted
201. Isa. 28:16
The Messiah is the precious corner stone
202. Isa. 28:16
The Sure Foundation
203. Isa. 29:13
He indicated hypocritical obedience to His Word
204. Isa. 29:14
The wise are confounded by the Word
205. Isa. 32:2
A Refuge-A man shall be a hiding place
206. Isa. 35:4
He will come and save you
To have a ministry of miracles
208. Isa. 40:3, 4
Preceded by forerunner
209. Isa. 40:9
"Behold your God."
210. Isa. 40:10.
He will come to reward
211. Isa. 40:11
A shepherd-compassionate life-giver
The Servant-as a faithful, patient redeemer
213. Isa. 42:2
Meek and lowly
214. Isa. 42:3
He brings hope for the hopeless
215. Isa. 42:4
The nations shall wait on His teachings
216. Isa. 42:6
The Light (salvation) of the Gentiles
217. Isa. 42:1, 6
His is a worldwide compassion
218. Isa. 42:7
Blind eyes opened.
219. Isa. 43:11
He is the only Saviour.
220. Isa. 44:3
He will send the Spirit of God
He is Lord and Saviour
222. Isa. 45:23
He will be the Judge
223. Isa. 46:9, 10
Declares things not yet done
224. Isa. 48:12
The First and the Last
225. Isa. 48:16, 17
He came as a Teacher
226. Isa. 49:1
Called from the womb-His humanity
227. Isa. 49:5
A Servant from the womb.
228. Isa. 49:6
He will restore Israel
229. Isa. 49:6
He is Salvation for Israel
230. Isa. 49:6
He is the Light of the Gentiles
231. Isa. 49:6
He is Salvation unto the ends of the earth
232. Isa. 49:7
He is despised of the Nation
233. Isa. 50:3
Heaven is clothed in black at His humiliation
234. Isa. 50:4
He is a learned counselor for the weary
235. Isa. 50:5
The Servant bound willingly to obedience
236. Isa. 50:6
"I gave my back to the smiters."
237. Isa. 50:6
He was smitten on the cheeks
238. Isa. 50:6
He was spat upon
239. Isa. 52:7
Published good tidings upon mountains
240. Isa. 52:13
The Servant exalted
241. Isa. 52:14
The Servant shockingly abused
242. Isa. 52:15
Nations startled by message of the Servant
243. Isa. 52:15
His blood shed sprinkles nations
244. Isa. 53:1
His people would not believe Him
245. Isa. 53:2
Appearance of an ordinary man
246. Isa. 53:3
Despised
247. Isa. 53:3
Rejected
248. Isa. 53:3
Great sorrow and grief
249. Isa. 53:3
Men hide from being associated with Him
250. Isa. 53:4
He would have a healing ministry
251. Isa. 53:4
Thought to be cursed by God
252. Isa. 53:5
Bears penalty for mankind's iniquities
253. Isa. 53:5
His sacrifice provides peace between man and God
254. Isa. 53:5
His sacrifice would heal man of sin
255. Isa. 53:6
He would be the sin-bearer for all mankind
256. Isa. 53:6
God's will that He bear sin for all mankind
257. Isa. 53:7
Oppressed and afflicted
258. Isa. 53:7
Silent before his accusers
259. Isa. 53:7
Sacrificial lamb
260. Isa. 53:8
Confined and persecuted
261. Isa. 53:8
He would be judged
262. Isa. 53:8
Killed
263. Isa. 53:8
Dies for the sins of the world
264. Isa. 53:9
Buried in a rich man's grave
265. Isa. 53:9
Innocent and had done no violence
266. Isa. 53:9
No deceit in his mouth
267. Isa. 53:10
God's will that He die for mankind
268. Isa. 53:10
An offering for sin
269. Isa. 53:10
Resurrected and live forever
270. Isa. 53:10
He would prosper
271. Isa. 53:11
God fully satisfied with His suffering
272. Isa. 53:11
God's servant would justify man
273. Isa. 53:11
The sin-bearer for all mankind
274. Isa. 53:12
Exalted by God because of his sacrifice
275. Isa. 53:12
He would give up his life to save mankind
276. Isa. 53:12
Numbered with the transgressors
277. Isa. 53:12
Sin-bearer for all mankind
278. Isa. 53:12
Intercede to God in behalf of mankind
279. Isa. 55:3
Resurrected by God
280. Isa. 55:4
A witness
281. Isa. 55:4
He is a leader and commander
282. Isa. 55:5
God would glorify Him
283. Isa. 59:16a
Intercessor between man and God
284. Isa. 59:16b
He would come to provide salvation
285. Isa. 59:20
He would come to Zion as their Redeemer
He would shew light to the Gentiles
287. Isa. 61:1
The Spirit of God upon him
288. Isa. 61:1
The Messiah would preach the good news
289. Isa. 61:1
Provide freedom from the bondage of sin
Proclaim a period of grace
291. Jer. 11:21
Descendant of David
The Messiah would be both God and Man
294. Jer. 31:22
Born of a virgin
295. Jer. 31:31
The Messiah would be the new covenant
Descendant of David
Descendant of David
Descendant of David
The Stone that shall break the kingdoms
He would ascend into heaven
Highly exalted
His dominion would be everlasting
303. Dan. 9:24
To make an end to sins
304. Dan. 9:24
To make reconciliation for iniquity
305. Dan. 9:24
He would be holy
306. Dan. 9:25
His announcement
307. Dan. 9:26
Cut off
308. Dan. 9:26
Die for the sins of the world
309. Dan. 9:26
Killed before the destruction of the temple
Messiah in a glorified state
311. Hos. 11:1
He would be called out of Egypt
312. Hos. 13:14
He would defeat death
313. Joel 2:32
Offer salvation to all mankind
314. Jonah 1:17
Death and resurrection of Christ
315. Mic. 5:2
Born in Bethlehem
316. Mic. 5:2
Ruler in Israel
317. Mic. 5:2
From everlasting
318. Hag. 2:6-9
He would visit the second Temple
319. Hag. 2:23
Descendant of Zerubbabel
320. Zech. 3:8
God's servant
Priest and King
322. Zech. 9:9
Greeted with rejoicing in Jerusalem
323. Zech. 9:9
Beheld as King
324. Zech. 9:9
The Messiah would be just
325. Zech. 9:9
The Messiah would bring salvation
326. Zech. 9:9
The Messiah would be humble
327. Zech. 9:9
Presented to Jerusalem riding on a donkey
328. Zech. 10:4
The cornerstone
At His coming, Israel to have unfit leaders
Rejection causes God to remove His protection
Rejected in favor of another king
332. Zech. 11:7
Ministry to "poor," the believing remnant
333. Zech. 11:8
Unbelief forces Messiah to reject them
334. Zech. 11:8
Despised
335. Zech. 11:9
Stops ministering to those who rejected Him
Rejection causes God to remove protection
The Messiah would be God
Betrayed for thirty pieces of silver
Rejected
Thirty pieces of silver cast in the house of the Lord
The Messiah would be God
The Messiah's body would be pierced
The Messiah would be both God and man
The Messiah would be rejected
345. Zech. 13:7
God's will He die for mankind
346. Zech. 13:
A violent death
347. Zech. 13:7
Both God and man
348. Zech. 13:7
Israel scattered as a result of rejecting Him
349. Zech. 14:4
He would return to the Mt. of Olives
350. Mal. 3:1
Messenger to prepare the way for Messiah
351. Mal. 3:1
Sudden appearance at the temple
352. Mal. 3:1
Messenger of the new covenant
353. Mal. 3:6
The God who changes not
354. Mal. 4:5
Forerunner in spirit of Elijah
355. Mal. 4:6
Forerunner would turn many to righteousness


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