Advent Day Thirteen: Living in the Days of Fulfillment

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Reflect

Christmas isn't just a sentimental holiday-it's the hinge on which all of history swings. When Jesus was born, something world-changing happened: the long-awaited age of fulfillment began. All the prophets-Samuel, Isaiah, Joel, and so many others-looked forward to the day when God would send His Messiah. And when Jesus arrived, their hopes and prophecies began to come true.

We often think of prophecy as something about our distant future, but the New Testament writers say something radical: the "last days" began with Jesus' coming. Paul says, "The end of the ages has come" (1 Corinthians 10:11). The writer of Hebrews echoes this: "In these last days, [God] has spoken to us by his Son." (Hebrews 1:2)

That means we're not still waiting for God's plan to start-we're living in it! Christmas split history in two: before Jesus was the age of promise; now is the age of fulfillment. God has sent His Son, poured out His Spirit, launched His global rescue mission, and begun gathering people from every nation to Himself. We're living in the "already"-the blessings of the Messiah are ours right now.

But there's also a "not yet." We're still waiting for the day when Jesus returns, when every wrong is made right, when we see Him face to face, and every trace of sorrow and sin is gone forever. The best is still ahead!

So this Advent, take a deep breath and realize: you are living in the middle of God's grand story. The blessings of Jesus-His presence, His Spirit, His promises-are yours today. And the future is bursting with hope. Drink deeply of what Jesus has already accomplished, and let that hope anchor you as you look forward to all that's coming.

Quotes for Today

"We live between the already and the not yet-blessed by what Jesus has done, and longing for what He will do."

"Christmas split history in two: promise fulfilled, and glory yet to come."

Apply

• Do you find yourself living more in the "already" or the "not yet"?

• How can you celebrate the blessings you have in Christ today, even as you wait for the fullness that's still to come?

Action Steps

• Make a list of three blessings you have right now because Jesus has come. Thank God for each one.

• Identify one area where you're still longing for God's future promises, and ask Him to fill you with hope as you wait.

Prayer Points

• Thank God for the age of fulfillment you live in-His Spirit, His Word, His presence.

• Pray for fresh hope and patience as you wait for the final "not yet"-when Jesus returns and makes all things new.

Prayer

Father, thank You that we live in the days of fulfillment-thank You for Jesus, for the gift of Your Spirit, and for the hope that anchors our souls. Help us to rest in the blessings we have now and to wait with patient, joy-filled expectation for the day when You make all things new. Amen.