“The angel of the LORD called to Abraham … , ‘Because you have not withheld your only son, I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars… and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed.’” Genesis 22:15-18

Genesis 22:15-18
Before Matthew gave the details of the Christmas story in his gospel, he opened with a list of names. He did this because he was being bold about who Jesus is: the son of David and the son of Abraham. Jesus is the rightful heir to the throne of David, and thus the Son of God promised to Abraham generations earlier.

Why is this important? Because everything we celebrate at Christmas hinges on it. If this baby born in Bethlehem to peasant parents— who lived a perfectly sinless life, went to die on a Roman cross, and rose again on the third day— is indeed the Christ, then it changes everything.

It means Christmas is more than sentimentality. It’s the celebration of the birth of the Son of God, the long-promised Messiah. If you are in Jesus, this story from Adam to Abraham, from David to Christ, is your story. If you have not repented of your sins and put your faith in Jesus’ death and resurrection, this can be your story. He has worked through a family line since the beginning of time, and He continues to do so now in people like us.



Scripture Focus

Matthew 1:1-16

Insight

“‘The days are coming,’ declares the LORD, ‘when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely.’” (Jeremiah 23:5)

Bible In A Year

  • Haggai 1-2
  • Proverbs 27
  • Revelation 11-12

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