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Beloved, at Christmas we think of Jesus being born, shepherds hearing from angels, kings sending out decrees, citizens heading to their hometowns for the census, wise men bearing gifts, mangers, and a guiding star. But did you know that God brought us to this through a series of prophecies?

There are over 300 prophecies in the Bible that span thousands of years, and were all fulfilled by the birth, life, and death of Jesus Christ. This is no coincidence. This was not manufactured and could not have been manipulated. These were not lucky guesses made by dishonest psychics. These were precise predictions made by the divine God of the Bible, Who has repeatedly proved that He has faultless knowledge of all past, present, and future events.

So many prophecies regarding the Messiah (“anointed one”) were fulfilled specifically by Jesus that scientists (Science Speaks by Peter Stoner and Robert Newman) have determined that the chance of one man, whether accidentally or deliberately, fulfilling just eight of the prophecies Jesus fulfilled is 1 in 10¹⁷ power. Stoner gives an illustration that helps visualize the magnitude of such odds:

Suppose that we take 10¹⁷ silver dollars and lay them on the face of Texas. They will cover all of the state two feet deep. Now mark one of these silver dollars and stir the whole mass thoroughly, all over the state. Blindfold a man and tell him that he can travel as far as he wishes, but he must pick up one silver dollar and say that this is the right one. What chance would he have of getting the right one?

1. In Micah 5:2, the prophet tells us: 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. This is a prophecy that was fulfilled at the birth of Jesus.

✓ Jesus was born in Bethlehem. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. (Luke 2:4-6).

✓ Jesus is the ruler over all. That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:10-11).

2. In Isaiah 7:14, the prophet tells us: Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel. This is a prophecy that was fulfilled at the birth of Jesus.

✓ Jesus was born of a virgin and called “Immanuel”. All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”) (Matthew 1:22-23, NIV).

Beloved, these events were prophesied approximately 700 years before the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ. The miracle is not so much in the prophecies fulfilled, but more so the accuracy of each detail of each prophecy being fulfilled EXACTLY. Imagine-in a day when the written word was read by only scholars; and it was written on parchment paper or a scroll, which could fade, deteriorate, or be easily lost or damaged-it being kept in detail, 700 years later.

Now, let’s explore 700 years BEFORE that … around 1400 B.C.

3. In Genesis, as Jacob is blessing his 12 sons, The scepter shall not depart from Judah, Nor a lawgiver from between his feet, Until Shiloh comes; And to Him shall be the obedience of the people (Genesis 49:10, NKJV). This is a prophecy that was fulfilled at the birth of Jesus.

✓ Jesus was a descendant of Judah. For it is clear that our Lord descended from Judah, and in regard to that tribe Moses said nothing about priests (Hebrews 7:14, NIV).

Beloved, during Christmas, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, let’s focus on the miracle of a prophecy (many prophecies) fulfilled and the magnitude of love God has for us. A love that we are completely undeserving of, yet, He sent His son, as a tiny baby, to be born of a virgin in a humble manger, located in an unremarkable town, to save us. Hallelujah!

Say this faith declaration out loud: Heavenly Father, thank You for making me Your child. Thank You for the gifts You have given me. Help me to recognize, appreciate and develop, and use my abilities to their fullest to bring glory and honor to Your name. I make my gift to You, this season and always, my heart. Amen.

Scripture Reading:

And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

Luke 2:7

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

Luke 2:11–12

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Luke 2:13–14

Read my special Christmas ministry letter to dispatch your three angels through this prophetic Christmas revelation. Please click here to read more.

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