By Stephen Leonard
“But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons. And because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying ‘Abba, Father!’ So you are no longer a slave, but a son, and if a son, then an heir through God.” Galatians 4:4-7
Millenniums of years separate you from two distant people; you know their names, but you do not know them. Yet these two impact your life in inestimable ways. Adam and Eve have a lot to do with how, even if, your life is lived today. You have life through the original parenting of Adam and Eve.
We might not know what sin is apart from these two. But do not blame them. You would not have done differently in their shoes. But their conversations with God and with Satan, the chief of rebellious angels, are conversations you should never ignore! Those conversations and actions gravely impact the fortunes and lives of everyone who lives. No one can deny that Adam and Eve are primary in their lives whether or not they think so.
God said something in distant history in the presence of your first parents that affects you today, even thousands of years after He said it. It was a promise, a promise that has everything to do with your life and your future.
“I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.” Genesis 3:15
A heel bite constitutes a body wound; the other to the head is a lethal crush. One is but a wounding. The other is destruction, a mortal combat between the Savior of our souls, and the great enemy of our souls.
This verse is the first mention in the Bible of the gospel. For Jesus overwhelmingly defeats Satan; first, at the cross, then completes the cross’s victory at the final judgment. This is the determining promise which proves to be good news to many, but not good news to others.
It is a promise that a Savior will be born in Bethlehem in the future and then much later return to complete His task at the end of history. It has to do with the celebration of Christmas and Advent.
This is the first indication to us that there would be a Christmas. It announces the central fact of Christmas, even Jesus, who will save His people from their sins.
In the Garden of Eden of the ancient past, a promise is spoken, resulting in a Garden of Paradise in the eternal future. Christmas, the first Advent, is the beginning fulfillment of this great promise.
As you enjoy this Advent Season and Christmas Day, remember this ancient promise from God. His Word never fails. Millenniums of years never cause it to fade away. You can be certain that if God spoke it, it will always come to pass! So waiting for Him is never non-eventful. Come, Lord Jesus, come!
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