How You Can Know That The Incarnation of the Son of God Was a Historical Event

Hebrews 2:3-4 "how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? After it was at the first spoken through the Lord, it was confirmed to us by those who heard, 4 God also testifying with them, both by signs and wonders and by various miracles and by gifts of the Holy Spirit according to His own will."

Note to reader: A more thorough blog series on arguing for the miracle of the incarnation has gotten underway over at my other blogsite: www.biblicalexegete.wordpress.com. Readers are invited to dig deeper as further posts will be forthcoming. To God be the glory!

Introduction:

As we begin today's post, we turn our attention to the focal point of this time of year: advent. Advent is a season on the Christian calendar that celebrates the historical event of Christ's incarnation or His act as God coming into this world to take unto His person true and genuine humanity. The event itself entailed two other important miracles: the virgin/birth conception, which explains how He came and the hypostatic union, or the joining unto His Person a truly human nature, and thus He in His Person being the union of true humanity and undiminished deity. Statements such as these reveal how much Christianity is predicated upon mighty miracles. Today's post will attempt to communicate how one might champion the incarnation and the miracle working of God in the course of this advent season. 

What is a miracle?

First, a miracle is a highly irregular event in terms of its frequency and features compared to what we would term regularly occurring events. Secondly, based upon Dr. William Lane Craig's definition, a miracle is a naturally impossible event - meaning that given naturalistic explanations, events such as Christ's incarnation and resurrection could not happen by natural causes. Of all the sorts of explanations that could be offered, the best explanation for these events would be shown to be a supernatural one.  

Therefore, since non-natural events, as well as natural events do occur in our world, and being that non-natural events (such as Jesus resurrection) has been shown to occur, then it only stands to reason that the God of the Bible exists. 

Some further thoughts on "irregular events" and why miracles can be legitimately considered as part of our world

This point about irregularity is important because so many skeptics will say that miracles are impossible, being that in the normal course of human experience, no such event can happen? However, if there are irregular events that can occur in history, which may not be experienced regularly by human beings, then does that rule out the miraculous? 

For instance, when I lived in central Florida, there was one year where the storm paths of three hurricanes in once season criss-crossed over the very neighborhood where we lived. For even one hurricane to make it that far inland into central Florida had not occurred in 40 years. Imagine the less likelihood of three hurricanes and their storm paths all intermingling with one another in one season? 

An argument for the validity of miracles in our world

Are we saying that this highly irregular pattern of hurricanes constitutes a definite miracle. Hardly. There are obviously other traits that need to be considered before saying something is a definite miracle. Consider the following logical statement:

#1 We see the possibility of irregular events occurring in the world; 

#2 and miracles are by definition irregular events 

Therefore it can be rightly concluded that miracles can occur in this world. 

What bearing the possibility of miracles has on the incarnation and virgin birth of the Son of God

In establishing the possibility of miracles in our world, we can then begin to make a case for the most important miracle upon which we celebrate Christmas - namely Christ's incarnation through the virgin birth conception. The rest of this post represents more of a sketch, rather than fully completed argument for the historical reality of the virgin birth. Notice the following argument:

#1 Miracles are non-natural events that are naturally impossible events. Only natural events that are naturally possible can occur if in fact the God of the Bible does not exist

#2 History's task is to recount all events that occur, including naturally possible & naturally impossible events

#3 The Gospel records document Jesus' incarnation and virgin birth/conception and have been shown under close scrutiny to be reliable documents

#4 Jesus' incarnation/virgin birth was a miraculous event that could be classified as occurring as a result of non-natural causes

#5 Jesus' incarnation/virgin birth from the dead is a miracle that did occur in history

How methods of history can show the validity of treating Christ's incarnation as a historical event

Now this argument can be shown sound through means of criteria used in validating the historicity of certain events in ancient literature. I will briefly list a couple of those criteria as applied to the Christmas story:

1. Multiple attestation or support from multiple sources (hence Matthew and Luke's Gospel with regards to the genealogies and the 1st century Jewish historian, Flavius Josephus, in his "Antiquities of the Jews")

2. The criteria of embarrassment (Joseph contemplated divorcing Mary upon hearing her pregnancy would had been an embarrassing detail but which is a sign of being genuine fact)

3. Palestinian or 1st century Jewish setting. Matthew and Luke's use of genealogies; the possible reference of Mary and Joseph finding "no room in the inn" as a technical term pointing to the interior room of a home in and around Judea (i.e Bethlehem). 

Closing thoughts for now

We have shown through our brief study of miracles thus far that miracles are possible in this world. We have also given an example of a brief outline of how one might argue for the historicity and thus plausibility of the Christmas story as it pertains to the miracles of the virgin birth and Christ's incarnation. Hence, the virgin birth/incarnation can be considered as a fact of history.

How Jesus' birth connects to His crucifixion and resurrection

Matthew 1:21 “She will bear a Son; and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.”

Introduction:
My aim today is to draw as many parallels as possible between the birth narratives of Matthew and Luke to the crucifixion and resurrection accounts of the Lord Jesus Christ as found in John's Gospel. The crucifixion and resurrection narratives are found in all four Gospels, and so further parallels could just as easily be discovered. Nevertheless, for brevity's sake we will focus on what the Apostle John, writing under the divine inspiration of the Holy Spirit, has to record regarding the details of Christ's death on the cross and subsequent resurrection. John 18, 19 and 20 will be our main text for the crucifixion and resurrection accounts, with connecting points being drawn from the infancy narratives of Matthew and Luke.   

1. The Shepherds told about the Savior born, who would die for the people
Luke 2:11 "for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."


John 18:14 "Now Caiaphas was he, which gave counsel to the Jews, that it was expedient that one man should die for the people."

What links these two passages together is the fact we see Jesus, our Good Shepherd. 


2. He was Born and Died "The King of the Jews." 
Matthew 2:2 “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we saw His star in the east and have come to worship Him.”

John 19:19 "And Pilate wrote a title, and put it on the cross. And the writing was, JESUS OF NAZARETH THE KING OF THE JEWS."

What links these two passages together is the fact we see Jesus our True King.

3. The Roman Empire was included in His birth and death.
Luke 2:1 "Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth."

John 19:23 "Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took his garments, and made four parts, to every soldier a part; and also his coat: now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout."

What links these two passages together is the fact we see Jesus the Ultimate Ruler. 

4. The Prediction of Mary's agony at His death spoken after his birth
Luke 2:35 "and a sword will pierce even your own soul—to the end that thoughts from many  hearts may be revealed.”

John 19:26-27 "When Jesus therefore saw his mother, and the disciple standing by, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman, behold thy son! 27 Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother! And from that hour that disciple took her unto his own home."

What links these two passages together is the fact we see Jesus the obedient Son.

5. The presence of Myrrh in the accounts of His birth and death
Luke 2:11 "After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh."

John 19:39 "And there came also Nicodemus, which at the first came to Jesus by night, and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, about an hundred pound weight."

What links these two passages together is the fact we see Jesus as the propitiation or satisfaction of the Father's wrath against sin.

6. Angels were present at His birth and resurrection
Luke 2:13-14 "And suddenly there appeared with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host  praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, And on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased.”

John 20:12-14 "and she saw two angels in white sitting, one at the head and one at the feet, where the body of Jesus had been lying. 13And they said to her, “Woman, why are you  weeping?” She said to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.” 14When she had said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus. "

What links these two passages together is the fact we see Jesus the victorious Savior.

Closing thoughts
Today we briefly considered the links found between the birth accounts of Jesus humanity in Matthew and Luke to the crucifixion and resurrection accounts found in John's Gospel. The six links discovered today highlighted the following truths about Jesus Christ:

1. He is our Good Shepherd
2. He is our True King
3. He is our Ultimate Ruler
4. He is the Obedient Son
5. He satisfies the Father's wrath
6. He is the victorious Savior

God's Heavenly Bread of Life

Exodus 16:1 "Then they set out from Elim, and all the congregation of the sons of Israel came to the wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second month after their departure from the land of Egypt."

Introduction:

Today's post will focus upon the heavenly bread God sent the Israelites in their journeys with Moses through the wilderness. Such a study is pertinent to followers of Christ today, since Jesus identifies Himself as the Bread of life in John 6. Manna is so named because of the Israelite's inability to know what to call it (it means "what is this" in the Hebrew language). Many references in the Old Testament can be found about manna. However, for the sake of brevity, we will restrict our study to Exodus 16. Exodus 16 represents the first mention of Manna in the Bible. It has been often recognized that in the first mention of anything in scripture, the seeds of various themes can be found. As a final note, upon seeing the significance of God's manna in the wilderness, we should be able to see the ways it points to Jesus - God's heavenly bread of life. 

1. God's heavenly bread is food for the soul meeting with God

In Exodus 16:1, we find the people of God and Moses nearing their trek to Mount Sinai. God had redeemed the people out of Egypt to lead them to Sinai to meet with Him. The heavenly manna was given at the onset of this journey. The soul that ever hopes to enjoy communion with God cannot feed on the "food of this world". God's bread from heaven would be the diet of His people in their preparations and communions with Him. Whenever we turn to John 6, Jesus uses the Old Testament manna to bring out this truth about Him being bread for the soul. In John 6:26-27 we read - "Jesus answered them and said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw signs, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. 27 Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you, for on Him the Father, God, has set His seal.”

2. God's heavenly bread is sweet to the soul that loves God. 

In Exodus 16:33 we read - "The house of Israel named it manna, and it was like coriander seed, white, and its taste was like wafers with honey." The main description we do get of manna is in its taste and appearance. The taste and appearance was both sweet to the palate and pleasing to the eye. The whiteness of the heavenly bread spoke of its purity and the sweetness of honey communicated its desirability. Jesus makes this point about comparing the manna to Himself in John 6:32-33 "Jesus then said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, it is not Moses who has given you the bread out of heaven, but it is My Father who gives you the true bread out of heaven. 33 For the bread of God is that which comes down out of heaven, and gives life to the world.” In the course of Jesus' teaching on Himself being the bread of life, the crowds ended up rejecting His sweetness and purity. Yet, Peter at the end of John 6:68-69 "Simon Peter answered Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have words of eternal life. 69 We have believed and have come to know that You are the Holy One of God.” 

So God's heavenly bread of life, whether in the Old Testament type we find in manna or in the fulfillment of it in Jesus feeds the soul being met by God and is sweet to the soul that loves God. One more truth can be noted today as we think on God's heavenly bread of life found in Exodus 16 and John 6...

3. God's heavenly bread preserves the soul on the journey of faith with God. 

Two places in Exodus 16 describe how manna would be used by God to remind the people how He preserves them. In Exodus 16:33 "Moses said to Aaron, “Take a jar and put an omerful of manna in it, and place it before the Lord to be kept throughout your generations.” Then again in Exodus 16:35 "The sons of Israel ate the manna forty years, until they came to an inhabited land; they ate the manna until they came to the border of the land of Canaan." Anyone who has read the accounts of the Israelites recorded in Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy knows that they were not always faithful. At one point, the people doubted God so much that a whole generation was prohibited from entering into the land. Despite the people's unfaithfulness, God never varied in His provision of manna. 

Jesus spoke of how He would be the ultimate food for the believer in their journey of faith with God. In John 6:55-58 "For My flesh is true food, and My blood is true drink. 56 He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood abides in Me, and I in him. 57 As the living Father sent Me, and I live because of the Father, so he who eats Me, he also will live because of Me. 58 This is the bread which came down out of heaven; not as the fathers ate and died; he who eats this bread will live forever.”

Closing thoughts:

Today's post focused upon how God provided heavenly bread for His people in Exodus 16. We noted how the manna pictures for us the ultimate heaven bread: the Lord Jesus Christ. We observed how Jesus tied the giving of manna to Himself as the Bread of life. In all we noted the following three truths concerning God's heavenly bread of life:

1. God's heavenly bread is food for the soul meeting with God (Exodus 16:1; John 6:26-27)

2. God's heavenly bread is sweet to the soul that loves God. (Exodus 16:31; John 6:68-69)

3. God's heavenly bread preserves the soul on the journey of faith with God. (Exodus 16:33,35; John 6:55-58) 

Seeing what it means to serve God through Moses and ultimately Jesus

Numbers 12:7 “Not so, with My servant Moses, He is faithful in all My household."

Hebrews 3:2 "He was faithful to Him who appointed Him, as Moses also was in all His house."

Introduction:

When we talk about serving God, we refer to doing God's work with the goal of cultivating one's fellowship with God. Today's post will feature both Moses and Jesus and understand what it means to serve God. 

Moses, a servant of God

In the Old Testament, one of the premier examples of serving God is found in the life of Moses. Moses is described as being faithful in all of God's house. Hebrews 3:5 states that Moses' testimony of faithfulness serves as an example to future believers: "Now Moses was faithful in all His house as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken later." So what was it that Moses did that made for such commendation of His service to God?

Moses is called "servant of the Lord" in Old Testament books like Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, 2 Kings. In almost all of those instances, the title "servant of the Lord" is tied to what Moses wrote and commanded by God. Moses' reliance upon God's words made him a faithful servant. Exodus 24:4 for example states that "Moses wrote down all the words of the Lord." 

Moses lived by God's Word and dedicated His life to God's Work. Moses aimed to center His life around God. In Exodus 33:17-18 Moses writes: "The Lord said to Moses, “I will also do this thing of which you have spoken; for you have found favor in My sight and I have known you by name.” 18 Then Moses said, “I pray You, show me Your glory!”

As God's premier servant, Moses labored in God's work and lived by His word. We also know that Moses' walk with God was so close that God Himself testified about Moses being distinguished from other people. In Numbers 12:7-8 “Not so, with My servant Moses, He is faithful in all My household; 8 With him I speak mouth to mouth, Even openly, and not in dark sayings, And he beholds the form of the Lord. Why then were you not afraid

To speak against My servant, against Moses?” Moses wrote and led by the power of the Holy Spirit. Thus we could say that as a servant of God, he was led by the Holy Spirit, he lived by God's Word and labored to do God's work.

Moses' service to God provides a picture of Jesus as the ultimate servant of God, which in turn provides a pattern for Christians today

Such details reveal the type of man and servant of God Moses was. Both testaments in the Bible tell the reader that Moses is a prime example of what it means to serve God. This testimony of faithfulness not only serves as an example for Christians, but more importantly points to the One Who would be the ultimate example: Jesus Himself. Hebrews 3:6 states: "but Christ was faithful as a Son over His house—whose house we are, if we hold fast our confidence and the boast of our hope firm until the end." 

The way we best apply what Moses did is by seeing how his example points to Jesus as the Servant of God. To only stop at Moses would mean we are advocating moralism. Moses is indeed a fine example, but he is placed before us in the scripture because his service to God was rooted in Christ. Although Jesus, in regards to His humanity and earthly ministry was future with respect to Moses in history, the faith Moses had to serve God was directed towards Christ, who in His Deity is eternal. Hebrews 11:24-27 states - "By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, 25 choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, 26 considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt; for he was looking to the reward. 27 By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king; for he endured, as seeing Him who is unseen."

Closing thoughts:

Today we looked at how Moses functioned as a servant of God. the way the New Testament handles Moses is by first highlighting his place in the Old Testament, followed by showing how he points us to Christ. Such examples point Christians to Jesus, the Ultimate pattern for service to God. When we consider Moses' record of service to God throughout the Old Testament, if we read his actions and attitudes in light of Jesus, we can then understand our attitudes and actions for serving God in light of Jesus. 

Defining Christian Service According to Jesus Christ

Isaiah 54:17 "No weapon that is formed against you will prosper; And every tongue that accuses you in judgment you will condemn. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, And their vindication is from Me,” declares the Lord."

Introduction:
What does it mean to be a servant of the Lord? Evidently we find that for those deemed "servants of the Lord", there is a heritage (or as the Hebrew would render it, an inheritance, a blessing) the comes by being in relationship with God. To serve God is not so much centered around accomplishment of a task as it is centered around one's relationship with God. A survey of the Old and New Testament scriptures reveals rich truths concerning this concept of "servant of the Lord". Whenever we are aiming to understand a particular moral or spiritual quality that ought to be operating in the Christian life (such as serving the Lord), we must look first and foremost at the Lord Jesus Christ.

Jesus was predicted and presented as "The Servant of the Lord"
In the Old Testament book of Isaiah we find four sections dedicated to predicting what would be the coming of "The Servant of the Lord". This Servant figure would end up being a Messianic figure, meaning His role would be to reveal God and do the will of God. These four sections - deemed "servant-songs", are so-called because of their high-concentration of poetic language. I will only list the references we find such servant songs in Isaiah, with a comment about each. 

In Isaiah 42:1-9, we discover that "The Servant of the Lord" will be an individual empowered by the Holy Spirit. 

Secondly, in Isaiah 49:1-7 (or the second servant song), we discover that this "Servant of the Lord" will be a man in whom God will be glorified. So thus far, we have found Isaiah's "Servant of the Lord" to be empowered by the Holy Spirit, as well as a man who will be about the business of bringing glory to God. 

The third "servant song" is found in Isaiah 50:4-11, will emphasize the Word of God. The word of God spoken will be the Servant of the Lord's method of doing His ministry. Then in the final "servant song" of Isaiah, Isaiah 52:13-53:12, we discover the Servant's plan to suffer on behalf of others. This final servant song most clearly points to what would be the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. We could say too that the "Servant of the Lord" will be a lover of souls, since it is for sinners that He died to make a satisfaction for sin to the Father. 

So we find then in Isaiah's prophecies the predictions concerning "The Servant of the Lord", predictions which would be fulfilled in the life, ministry, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. But now, how do we know that these predictions are referring to Jesus? We find in the Gospel records certain actions and words by Jesus that indicate Him seeing Himself as the fulfillment of Isaiah's prophecies.

In Matthew 12:13-21 we read for example: Then He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand!” He stretched it out, and it was restored to normal, like the other. 14 But the Pharisees went out and conspired against Him, as to how they might destroy Him.
15 But Jesus, aware of this, withdrew from there. Many followed Him, and He healed them all, 16 and warned them not to tell who He was. 17 This was to fulfill what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet: 18 “Behold, My Servant whom I have chosen; My Beloved in whom My soul is well-pleased; I will put My Spirit upon Him, And He shall proclaim justice to the Gentiles. 19 “He will not quarrel, nor cry out; Nor will anyone hear His voice in the streets.
20 “A battered reed He will not break off, And a smoldering wick He will not put out, Until He leads justice to victory.
21 “And in His name the Gentiles will hope.”

Matthew connects Jesus' activity to the first servant song of Isaiah 42. In Mark's Gospel we find Jesus asserting the chief purpose for which He came in Mark 10:45 - "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:29 echoes what Mark 10:45 states with reference to Jesus' capacity as the redeemer and the Servant. John's Gospel portrays Jesus as serving His disciples on the eve of His crucifixion. In John 13 we find Jesus washing the disciples' feet to visually demonstrate His role as "The Servant". 

Closing thoughts
So as we can see, Jesus Christ was predicted and portrayed as the Servant of the Lord, the pattern after which any definition of servanthood must be measured. We discovered from His role of servant at least four traits:

1. Led by the Holy Spirit
2. Labored to bring glory to the Father
3. Lived by the Word of God
4. Loved the souls of people

I would suggest that these four traits emulated by Jesus are to be traits found in any description of what it means to serve the Lord. As I said at the beginning of today's post, serving the Lord centers not so much around accomplishing a task as it does in cultivation of one's relationship with God. In the four traits we discovered concerning Jesus' role as "The Servant of the Lord", all of them were situated around the relationship He had with the Father, both as the eternal Son and as the man, Jesus of Nazareth. I close with these words from 1 Peter 2:21 "For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps."

Some Thoughts on the Second Sunday of Advent

Luke 1:35 "And Mary said, “Behold, the bondslave of the Lord; may it be done to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her."

Introduction:
Today's post will offer some thoughts on the meaning and significance of the second Sunday of this Advent Season. Today of course is the Second Sunday of Advent. The goal for this month is to offer posts that will reflect on all the particular Sundays found in the Christian celebration of Advent. For the reader's reference, the first Sunday of Advent (which was last week) had a post featuring it and is found at the following link:
http://www.growingchristianresources.com/2016/11/celebrating-first-sunday-of-advent-some.html

Advent is the season of hope and faith
At the church which I pastor, we will be lighting the second advent candle at the beginning of our morning church service. For our church at least, the second candle will represent "faith". Faith fits very well in one of Advent's overall purposes in the Christian calendar: namely kindling expectation and excitement about the Lord Jesus Christ. Hebrews 11:1 reminds us: "Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen." 

In the opening verse of today's post, we find Mary receiving the news from the angel regarding her being the vessel through which the Son's humanity would be conceived. She received the news and all of its implications by faith. Mary was clearly a woman of faith. Her heart was already reconciled to God in a faith that at some point had been touched by grace (see Luke 1:30). Not only did Mary evidence outward devotion, but inward trust.

True saving faith anticipates what Jesus has done, is doing and will do. In Advent Season, Christians celebrate their "Faith". Faith in the Bible takes on at least three meanings. First, "faith" can mean one's subjective trust in God's promises, Word and Person. Second, "Faith", or what we could call "capital 'F' Faith, refers to those body of doctrines and truth that, revealed by God in the scripture have been handed down through every generation of the church. The third sense of faith has to do with where our faith is directed and embodied: Christ Himself. Christ is described for example in Hebrews 12:2 as "The Author and Finisher of faith".

When we consider all that Advent season represents, all three of these senses are present - however, the third sense in particular is the focus. By finding Christian faith embodied in Christ and explained in the scriptures and precious truths of it, our personal faith is rooted in Jesus and formed by the text of scripture. 

When the Advent candles are lit, the light they shine, though small, illuminates the eye of everyone in the room. The light of Advent illustrates faith. How? Faith is the flame from on high that kindles the small wick of the human heart. When the life and ministry of Jesus is brought to bear in our lives, we embrace it. Even in the shortening days of Advent season, Winter's chill and darkening skies cannot quench the flame of faith. Christ in the believer is light and life, shining in this dark world.  

As we carry forth into this Advent season, may we celebrate the fact that the Eternal Son came as God incarnated as a helpless infant. His mother received the news by faith. May we receive and embrace Him in faith. May Advent be as a breath of fresh air in what can be a season of business. May faith flourish as Christ as magnified, emphasized and focused upon in this season. 

Divine Symmetries and Patterns of Christmas in Genesis

Galatians 4:4 "But when the fullness of the time came, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law".

Introduction:
In Genesis 3 we witness the treachery of Adam and Eve falling for the Serpent's lies and breaking covenant relationship with God.  Adam and Eve's actions brought forth sin and misery upon the whole human race. Thankfully God's plan for Christmas would go beyond Adam (please compare Romans 5:11-21). Today's post wants to consider the symmetries and patterns of Christmas in Genesis, whereby we see God using history, numbers and seven particular men to lay the groundwork for His historic plan of redemption leading up to the arrival of Jesus. 

The Bible's uses of symmetry - God's fingerprint for preparing for Christmas
From Adam we go forward to Genesis 5. In Genesis 5 we find 10 generations listed - depicting for us the human bloodline that God would use to bring about the "seed" promise first spoken of to Eve in Genesis 3:15.  The tenth man in that listing is a every familiar one - Noah. Each man and generation of God's people would function as torch lights lighting the way toward redemption.  In Jesus' genealogy of Luke 3:36b-38, as Luke unfolds for us the events leading up to and following Jesus birth, we see 10 generations stretching from Noah back to Adam- truly a remarkable example of God's preparation for that first Christmas. 

From Noah we see God issuing forth earth's second catastrophe, the flood.  Following the flood the Bible introduces us to the third major man involved in the continuation of God's plan for Christmas - Shem.  Shem was one of Noah's three Sons, and his entire bloodline is detailed in Genesis 10-11.  During his days the third great catastrophe, the tower of Babel, would occur.  Shem's bloodline also mentions ten generations.  In the tenth man of his bloodline we are introduced to another familiar figure - Abram (whose name would be changed by God to Abraham). If we turn back to Luke's genealogy of Jesus bloodline once again, we see in Luke 3:34b-36a another 10 generations stretching from Abraham back to Shem. 

Thus in all from Adam to Abraham would represent a span of over 2000 years period of time.  Likewise from Abraham to Christ's birth on that first Christmas would be more than 2000 years of time.  Of these first 20 generations listed in both Genesis and Luke, we see our first four major patriarchs: Adam, Noah, Shem and Abraham.  As the symmetry of scripture unfolds, these numbers are no accident nor coincidence.  God's hand was working in history to bring about His purpose of accomplishing the entry of His son into humanity on that first Christmas.

How God specified his intentions for bringing about that first Christmas
So with these four men: Adam, Noah, Shem and Abram - we see God specifying more clearly who and what He is going to us in bringing about the redeemer who would be born on Christmas.  From Abraham would come the promised son - Isaac.  From Isaac and his wife Rebekka would come forth Jacob - the father of the twelve tribes of Israel. 

Six men are reckoned so far in God's plot-line for setting up His plan of salvation in history.  Symmetry and numbering are signs of Divine Majesty at work in the otherwise catastrophic mess of humanity.  The seventh main figure we will note in Genesis is born in Genesis 30 and ends up being revealed most fully in Genesis 37-50 - Joseph.  Seven is God's number of fullness.  It means that all that God has planned is coming to fruition.  Joseph, more than the other six prior men - most fully pictures for us the focus of the Christmas story - the Lord Jesus Christ.

Closing thoughts:
Today's post explored the symmetry of generations God used in Genesis to make known His plan of redemption. We considered seven particular figures that emerge in the historical unfolding of the Book of Genesis: Adam, Noah, Shem, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob and Joseph. Each man would in some way pre-figure, illustrate or be a recipient of God's promises that would be responsible for paving the way for the arrival of Jesus into our world.