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CHRISTIAN LIVING TODAY
Christmas has everyone’s full attention. What a season of planning, gatherings, travel, decisions about gifts — the holiday theme grows each day.
Even early December weather speaks to us about cold celebrations. And Hallmark movies? Well, I do like them.
I love discovering prophecies God gave preceding Jesus’ incarnation. Yet, I am amazed to find that there are eight times more prophecies about Jesus’ second coming.
Perhaps, as we enter 2026, we’ll look at some … but why wait? You can begin your own private search today.
For now, consider these prophecies about Jesus:
• He would be called Messiah, which means “anointed one.” This term became the official title for a deliverer and redeemer, and writers of the New Testament considered it spoke of Jesus. This is the ultimate fulfillment of Genesis 3:15.
• Isaiah 9:6: “A child will be born … and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.”
• That Jesus would go to Egypt and return to the land of Israel. (Psalm 2:2, Hosea 11:1, Matthew 2:1215)
• Young babies would die in an attempt to kill Yeshua/ Messiah at His birth. (Hosea 11:1, Matthew 2:13-15, Jeremiah 31:15, Matthew 2:16-18) Christmas reflections really begin with “the begats.”
I realize that many people see those verses and have little regard for the list. At first glance, the begats, Matthew 1:1-16, seem to be a long list of difficult to pronounce names, and one wonders why they would need to know this — but look once again.
You may find at least one or more names that you recognize from Old Testament accounts: names like Ruth, Abraham or King David. You’ll also find Joseph, husband of Mary, “by whom was born Jesus, called Christ.”
A fun personal exercise might be to look up each name, see what he or she did, and realize they are part of the family thread before Jesus’ birth.
This list, “the genealogy” of Jesus Christ, especially appeals to me. I enjoyed learning about my own personal genealogy, and facts about those in my lineage who lived long ago.
That list gave me the realization that it is significant to carry the baton, engaging in similar ministry works. It allowed me appreciation for their sacrifices and bravery.
Jesus’ genealogy list provides that for us — and so much more. Let’s keep learning as we go. Until next week, Anita
Onarecker, an Elgin resident, author of “Divine Appointment: Our Journey to the Bridge” and minister to women and adults, earned a Master of Christian Education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in 2007.
