ADVENT
Unexpected PResence
tuesday, december 22
Rev. Dr. Joyce Chan, Professor of Church History
Isaiah 11:1
“A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse;
from his roots a Branch will bear fruit”
Isaiah 53:3
“He was despised and rejected by mankind,
a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.
Like one from whom people hide their faces
he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.”
The story of Jesus in the New Testament actually echoed Isaiah’s prophecy - people did not expect their Messiah to come as a humble servant! People tend to adore and look up to people who are rich and powerful, who look good in their appearance or celebrities who are famous and popular. And for the Israelites, they were looking for a powerful leader who could deliver them from the stronghold of the Roman rule.
However, our Lord Jesus presents to us an alternative model - though He is the most powerful and glorious King in the universe, He entered this world in the most unexpected presence and it is precisely in this most unexpected presence of the Messiah that brings the most unexpected transformation among humanity and creation.
Are you looking for the same Saviour this Christmas?
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