Theology

The Eternal King Arrives

Journeying through Advent with our humble and mighty Savior

Phil Schorr

Welcome to the season of Advent. It’s a special time in the Christian calendar—one that we all want to take heed of, with its deep and lasting significance, even in the midst of the season’s sometimes overwhelming demands. As you and your family approach a time of full calendars and bustling kitchens, candlelit services and living rooms strewn with wrapping paper, we invite you to journey through the season with this Advent devotional.

This devotional is meant to help you dive deep into theological truths and personal revelations as we prepare to celebrate the arrival of our humble and glorious King. We have structured the devotional to help us ponder the glory and tenderness of Christ, who came in the form of a vulnerable baby and displayed a gentle love for his creation through his incarnation. Throughout the month of December, we will herald both the sovereignty and power of his kingship and his self-emptying lovingkindness.

First, we will immerse ourselves in the prophetic inauguration of Christ, with devotionals that speak to the hopeful yearnings of Israel for the promised King—and the signs that would accompany his revival—woven throughout the Old Testament. Next, we will celebrate the eternal jubilee that Jesus’ incarnation heralds: a time of freedom, joy, and new life that he now offers. Finally, we will draw near to Christmas Day by gazing in awe at Christ’s royal enthronement and the establishment of his kingdom. He is our long-awaited Savior, and this Advent we celebrate the life-changing truth that our eternal King has arrived.

This article is part of The Eternal King Arrives, a 4-week devotional to help individuals, small groups, and families journey through the 2023 Advent season . Learn more about this special issue that can be used Advent, or any time of year at http://orderct.com/advent.

Also in this issue

Over the 4 weeks of Advent, this devotional guide will look at the themes of Jesus' prophetic inauguration, God's plan for redemption, and the Eternal King's arrival into the world as a human through signs and wonders.

Advent for Grieving Hearts

Craig Smith

What Made This ‘Epiphany’ Stand Out?

Malcolm Guite

There Is a Light That Changes Everything

Trillia Newbell

God’s Astonishing Announcement Scheme

Ronnie Martin

A Symphony of Salvation

Alexis Ragan

Out of Darkness, Light

Jon Nitta

From Egypt, Into Eternity

Kristel Acevedo

The Contrast Between Two Miraculous Mothers

Dorothy Bennett

Why Joseph Is Known as the Silent Saint

Joy Clarkson

The Suspense of Mary’s Yes

Malcolm Guite

Flutters of the Firstborn of Creation

Caroline Greb

True Hope Cannot Be Manufactured

Carlos Whittaker

The Goodness of Growing Smaller

Laura Wifler

We Forget We Belong to God

Elizabeth Woodson

How to Behold the Glory

Steve Woodrow

A Universe-Sized Love

Ronnie Martin

The Good News About Our Bad News

Strahan Coleman

He Is Not One to Leave Us Hurting

Beca Bruder

The Synagogue Visit That Changed Everything

Kristel Acevedo

An Unscheduled Appointment

Monty Waldron

A Relentless Love

Alexandra Hoover

Prophesying a Perfect Ruler

Elizabeth Woodson

The Humble Character of Our King

Alexis Ragan

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