‘The Lord says, “Shout and rejoice, O beautiful Jerusalem, for I am coming to live among you”‘ (Zechariah 2:10 NLT).
The book of Zechariah is filled with Messianic prophecies about the “coming” of the LORD. Israel was called to “shout and rejoice” in anticipation of His coming. This prophecy was partially fulfilled in the incarnation. As John proclaimed, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). Yet Israel as a nation did not receive Him, but handed Him over to be crucified.
“But to all who did receive Him, He gave them the right to be children of God” (John 1:12). Now God’s children sing and rejoice because Christ has come and is coming again. And on that day when Christ returns to dwell among us, Zechariah’s prophecy that beautiful Jerusalem would rejoice will finally be fulfilled. For Israel will finally recognize and receive Him as their Messiah and King.
The word “advent” means the arrival or coming of someone or something notable. This is Advent: Christ has come and is coming again.
PRAYER: Dear Father, we celebrate the coming of Christ and look forward in hope to His soon return. We sing and rejoice that He has come and taken away our sin. We look forward to that Day when we shall live with Him forever. Strengthen us to proclaim this good news until His return. In Jesus’ name, amen.