When most people think of Christmas, they naturally turn to the New Testament accounts of Jesus’ birth in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. These chapters—rich with angelic announcements, the journey to Bethlehem, and the birth of the Savior—are the foundation of the Christmas story. However, the Old Testament also has a wealth of readings that point toward the coming of Christ, offering rich prophecies and foreshadowing the arrival of the Messiah.
The Old Testament Christmas readings are essential because they provide the backdrop against which the birth of Jesus can be fully understood. These prophecies demonstrate that Jesus was not a sudden arrival, but the fulfillment of centuries of divine promises. As we explore some key Old Testament Christmas readings, we will see how the birth of Jesus was anticipated long before He came to Earth.
In this article, we will delve into several important Old Testament passages that prefigure Christ’s birth, including prophecies about His lineage, His role as the Savior, and His ultimate mission. These readings offer profound insight into God’s plan for salvation and help us deepen our understanding of the true meaning of Christmas.
Isaiah 7:14 – The Prophecy of the Virgin Birth
One of the most significant Old Testament Christmas readings comes from the book of Isaiah. In Isaiah 7:14, the prophet speaks of a sign from God that will mark the coming of the Messiah:
“Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” (Isaiah 7:14, KJV)
This prophecy, spoken around 700 years before Christ’s birth, is a clear foretelling of the virgin birth of Jesus. The term “Immanuel,” meaning “God with us,” is a powerful reminder that Jesus’ birth is not just a historical event, but the coming of God Himself to dwell among humanity.
Matthew 1:23, in the New Testament, directly quotes this prophecy when describing the birth of Jesus, confirming that the virgin birth is the fulfillment of God’s promise through Isaiah. This passage assures us that the Messiah would be both fully human and fully divine, and it emphasizes the closeness of God to His people, as He took on human form to save them.
Micah 5:2 – The Birthplace of the Messiah
Another key Old Testament Christmas reading is found in the book of Micah. In Micah 5:2, the prophet foretells the birthplace of the Messiah:
“But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.” (Micah 5:2, KJV)
Bethlehem, a small and insignificant town in Judah, is chosen as the birthplace of the Savior, showing that God often works through humble beginnings to accomplish His great purposes. This prophecy highlights the significance of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem, which is later confirmed in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke.
The verse also alludes to the eternal nature of the Messiah. The one who would come from Bethlehem is described as having “been from of old, from everlasting.” This speaks to the pre-existence of Christ, affirming His divinity as the eternal Son of God. Jesus is not only the fulfillment of this prophecy but is also the eternal ruler whose reign will never end.
Isaiah 9:6-7 – The Promise of a Child and a King
In Isaiah 9:6-7, another powerful prophecy concerning the Messiah is given:
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6, KJV)
This passage presents a beautiful and profound description of the nature and role of the coming Messiah. The child who will be born is no ordinary child—He is the Son of God, who will bear titles that express His divine and royal nature.
Wonderful: His wisdom and understanding will be beyond comprehension.
Counsellor: He will guide and lead His people in all things.
The mighty God: He will be both fully human and fully divine.
The everlasting Father: He will be the source of eternal life and salvation.
The Prince of Peace: He will bring peace between God and humanity and establish a reign of peace.
This prophecy speaks of the Messiah’s role as a ruler, a teacher, and a provider of peace, and it anticipates the way in which Jesus would fulfill these roles in His earthly ministry and beyond. The coming of this child was the fulfillment of God’s promise to send a Savior who would change the world.
Genesis 3:15 – The First Promise of the Messiah
Though not typically considered a “Christmas” passage, Genesis 3:15 contains the first prophecy of the coming Messiah. In this verse, God speaks to the serpent after the fall of man:
“And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.” (Genesis 3:15, KJV)
This prophecy, often called the Protoevangelium (meaning “first gospel”), marks the moment when God promises to send someone from the “seed of the woman” who will ultimately defeat the serpent (Satan). While the full meaning of this passage was not entirely clear at the time, it foretells the victory of Christ over sin and death, achieved through His death and resurrection.
The “seed of the woman” points to a future descendant of Eve who would bring redemption to mankind. The reference to the serpent’s head being bruised is understood as a prediction of Christ’s victory over Satan, which would be fully realized at His crucifixion and resurrection. This early promise sets the stage for the rest of the Bible, culminating in the arrival of the Messiah in Bethlehem.
Zechariah 9:9 – The King Who Comes Humble and Gentle
In Zechariah 9:9, the prophet foretells the coming of a king who will arrive in a humble and unexpected manner:
“Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem: behold, thy King cometh unto thee: he is just, and having salvation; lowly, and riding upon an ass, and upon a colt the foal of an ass.” (Zechariah 9:9, KJV)
This prophecy is especially significant because it describes a king who comes not in royal splendor or military might, but with humility and peace. This humble king will bring salvation to His people. The fulfillment of this prophecy is seen in the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem, where He rode into the city on a donkey, demonstrating His role as the humble King and Savior.
This passage reminds us that God’s ways are often contrary to human expectations. The people of Israel expected a conquering king who would overthrow their oppressors. Instead, Jesus came as a servant, offering peace and salvation through His death and resurrection. His humble entrance into Jerusalem serves as a powerful reminder of God’s kingdom, which is not built on earthly power but on love, humility, and sacrifice.
Old Testament Christmas Readings and Their Modern-Day Relevance
The Old Testament Christmas readings point forward to the birth of Jesus, but they also have significant relevance for Christians today. Here are some key lessons we can apply:
1. The Fulfillment of God’s Promises
The prophecies of the Old Testament show us that God keeps His promises. Each prophecy concerning the birth of Jesus was fulfilled precisely as foretold, reminding us that God is faithful to His word. This should encourage believers to trust in God’s promises, both those that have been fulfilled and those that are yet to come.
2. God’s Plan for Redemption
The Old Testament readings highlight God’s plan of salvation, which was set in motion long before Jesus was born. From Genesis 3:15 to Isaiah’s prophecies, we see that God had a plan to redeem humanity from sin. Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem was the culmination of this plan, and it reminds us that God is sovereign over history and that He works all things according to His perfect will.
3. A Humble Savior
Zechariah’s prophecy about the humble king reminds us that Jesus’ mission was not one of earthly glory or power. As believers, we are called to emulate Christ’s humility and sacrificial love. Christmas is a time to reflect on how we can live more like Christ, putting others first and serving with humility.
4. A Call to Worship
The Old Testament prophecies point to the glory of the Messiah. When we reflect on these readings, we are called to worship and adore Christ as the Savior, King, and Redeemer. The Christmas season is an opportunity to deepen our worship and to celebrate the great gift of salvation that God gave to the world through Jesus.
Conclusion
The Old Testament Christmas readings provide profound insights into the nature of Christ’s coming and His mission on Earth. These passages not only point forward to the birth of Jesus but also show the depth of God’s love and His faithfulness to His promises. As we reflect on these readings during the Christmas season, we are reminded of the hope, peace, and salvation that Christ brought into the world and continue to offer to all who believe in Him. May these prophecies deepen our understanding of the true meaning of Christmas and inspire us to live lives of worship, humility, and faithfulness to our Savior.
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