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The Long-Awaited King: Finding Hope in Christ’s Birth

  • Writer: Ted Wlazlowski
    Ted Wlazlowski
  • Dec 24, 2024
  • 3 min read

Christmas Eve is a moment filled with wonder and anticipation—a time to reflect on the fulfillment of God’s promises and the incredible hope we find in Jesus Christ. From the very beginning, God’s plan for redemption was unfolding, revealed through promises and prophecies that pointed to the arrival of a Savior.


A stained glass depiction of the Nativity
A stained glass depiction of the Nativity

In Genesis 3:15, we catch the first glimpse of this promise: the seed of the woman would crush the serpent's head. As history unfolded, God spoke through prophets, offering specific glimpses of the Messiah who would come to rescue His people. Isaiah proclaimed, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given... and His name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6, ESV). Micah foretold the humble birthplace of the King in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2). Zechariah declared His dominion would be from sea to sea (Zechariah 9:9–10). Each prophecy built a foundation of hope, giving God’s people confidence in His faithfulness.


Throughout the Old Testament, God’s prophets revealed glimpses of this coming King. Balaam, a reluctant prophet, foretold, “I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near: a star shall come out of Jacob, and a scepter shall rise out of Israel” (Numbers 24:17, ESV). Centuries later, Isaiah declared the miraculous nature of His birth: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel” (Isaiah 7:14, ESV). Even obscure passages, like Hosea’s reflection that “out of Egypt I called my son” (Hosea 11:1, ESV), pointed to the Messiah’s journey—a truth revealed when Joseph and Mary fled to Egypt with the Christ child (Matthew 2:15).


The prophecies go beyond His birth to the nature of His life and mission. Zechariah described a humble King riding on a donkey, bringing peace to the nations (Zechariah 9:9–10). Malachi spoke of the forerunner who would prepare His way, fulfilled by John the Baptist (Malachi 3:1). Even the psalmists joined the chorus: Psalm 72 envisioned a King whose dominion would extend to the ends of the earth, while Psalm 22 vividly described the suffering Messiah—a striking portrayal of the crucifixion written centuries before it occurred.

Each prophecy, from the well-known to the obscure, threads together a tapestry of divine faithfulness. On that holy night in Bethlehem, every promise came to fruition. The Savior was born—not in power or splendor, but in humility, wrapped in swaddling cloths and laid in a manger (Luke 2:7). The One who holds the universe in His hands began His earthly life in the most fragile and vulnerable way, showing us that God’s power is made perfect in weakness.

Today, as we reflect on the birth of Christ, we find ourselves in a world not so unlike the one He entered—fractured, weary, and longing for hope. While many have turned away from the light of His truth, the promises of God remain steadfast. Just as His Word was fulfilled in the coming of Christ, we can trust it will be fulfilled in the days to come. The King who came in humility will return in glory.


This Christmas Eve, let us hold fast to the confidence we have in Christ. His birth reminds us that God’s promises never fail, and His light will never be overcome by darkness. May this truth fill your hearts with hope and inspire you to walk boldly as bearers of His light in a world desperately in need of His love.


Merry Christmas, and may your celebration be filled with the joy and peace that only He can bring.


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