Christmas time is a special season, drawing out the nostalgia of our childhood. The anticipation of Christmas day, the presents that await, the beauty of lights throughout our neighborhoods and cities, and tasty treats that are shared between friends and family. Moreover, the beauty of Christmas draws us back to our Savior, and His work as the fulfillment of Old Testament hopes and anticipations for the coming Prophet, Priest, and King who has secured our freedom through the shedding of His precious blood.
“Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, and from Jesus Christ the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth.” Revelation 1:4b-5a (ESV)
Over the next three weeks of the Advent season, we will search these aspects of Jesus’s ministry as the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of kings on earth. They each point to His fulfillment of the Old Testament offices of prophet, priest, and king. And it is through His perfect fulfillment of these offices that Christ has won for us salvation, forgiveness of sins, and is ushering in the new creation.
Along with learning how Jesus is the fulfillment of these offices, we will also connect these offices to our life in Christ. If we are transformed by the power of His Spirit, and set free for His Kingdom work, how then are we to live as prophets, priests, and kings? He has called us to these tasks as well. I am so excited to search the Scriptures with you as we move towards our celebration of the Lord’s birth on Christmas day.
I hope you will gather with us in the coming weeks for this special Christmas series.
North Bullitt Christian Church 