Many years after these promises were made, Jesus was born in Bethlehem. He was born into the family line of King David, but His birth was a miracle because God Himself, through the Holy Spirit, brought it about. A man named John the Baptist announced the arrival of Jesus and pointed to Him as the One who would rescue our rebellious world from sin. Jesus lived His entire life in perfect obedience to God the Father, showing that He was the promised Immanuel -- God in our midst. The precious Son of God humbled Himself on our behalf as He walked the earth, calling people to turn away from sin and follow Him.

Most people did not believe that this lowly man could be the long-awaited King, so they dismissed Jesus as a liar.

Although He was perfectly innocent, Jesus laid down His life willingly as His accusers put Him to death. They pierced His hands and feet as they nailed Him to a wooden cross. But God intended this evil act for a greater purpose: by His death, Jesus became the true Passover Lamb, taking sin's penalty for all who trust in Him.

Not only did He take our punishment on Himself, He also gave us the credit for His perfect obedience, making a way for us to be brought back into God's family. God was so pleased with Jesus' perfect sacrifice that He raised Him from the dead and exalted Him to His heavenly throne, where He reigns forever to the glory of God.

Jesus, the long-expected mighty Rescuer, has crushed Satan and now welcomes into His kingdom all those who abandon sin and trust in Him completely. Are you trusting in Him? One day, Jesus will return to make all things new, to do away with sin and sadness forever. He has promised this and, as we have seen, He is God and keeps His promises. Are you expecting Him?

Excerpted from The Expected One by Scott James. Copyright 2014 B&H Publishing Group.


Designed for both family and individual use The Expected One: Anticipating All of Jesus in the Advent includes daily devotions that are timeless and moving reminders of the true gift of Christmas.

Scott James is a pediatric physician and serves on the elder board at the Church at Brook Hills in Birmingham, Ala. Scott and his wife, Jamie, have four children.