Advent and the Snake

The first verse in the Bible to speak directly about Jesus Christ and, therefore, His promised advent or arrival is Genesis 3:15 - "And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and hers; he will crush your head, and you will strike his heel.” The first to hear directly and officially from God as to what His plans were to redeem fallen humanity is the mascot of fallen humanity himself: the Serpent. Merry Christmas, Snake. This may be a good model for us to follow. Before we write out Christmas cards or wrap Christmas presents for people in our lives, before we light candles and sing Christmas praise songs to the reason for every season: Christ our Lord, before we do anything else, maybe we should talk directly and officially to the adversary of our souls and say, "Christ will crush your head in my life, so no matter what size bite you take of my heel, I will not be swayed!" Christmas can be more spiritual warfare than sentimental journey for the serious Christian, even though most of us are not ashamed to enjoy every aspect of the season. So, if the evil one has stolen or attempted to steal something from you, fight back. The Advent of Christ, His birth we celebrate at Christmas, gives you all the ammunition you need for this fight. The promised prophecies of God cannot be repealed or resisted by anyone or anything. God will have His way. God will honor His Word. This is what makes Him God. Enjoy the strength of Christ even as you marvel at how vulnerable He became entering our fallen world through Mary's womb. Be encouraged. Be emboldened. Believe and hold to Scripture more than you believe your eyes. Be a believer in the Lord of Lords and stand your ground.

Are you in the midst of spiritual warfare this Christmas season? Are you getting the prayer support you need for this? Are you asking for it from other believers?