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Jesus is Son of David, Joshua the High Priest, the Branch of the Lord, and the True Temple of God

Today I read: 2 Chronicles 22-23, Psalm 132-134, Zechariah 6, and Revelation 10.

Gospel summary: Jesus, the true Son of David, the true Joshua, and the true Branch of the Lord, is also the true temple, bringing God's glorious presence to guilty sinners by means of his shed blood. God's long-awaited plan of salvation that was repeatedly seen in shadowy form, but never fully realized, has been fulfilled in the Christ child coming to earth. 

Prayer: All wise and gracious God, you alone are worthy of all glory, for this plan that you have made and that has been seen in types and shadows throughout the Old Testament, has all found its fulfillment in Christ. Thank you for opening my eyes to your dealings with mankind ever since you first breathed life into Adam, for were it not for your illuminating me to your ways, I would have rejected you all my days and lived oblivious to the world I was created into. I thank you that Jesus, the great Shepherd-King who leads me lovingly and truthfully is also the Great Joshua, my High Priest who makes atonement for all my sins, and is the true Temple of God who brings down the high and holy God to my personal life so that I may boldly approach his throne of grace constantly. This Christmas help me to glory in your perfect plan coming to ultimate fulfillment in the birth of this Messiah, my soul's sure hope. Grant me the grace to respond with awe, wonder, humility, and holiness of life (from the kitchen to the living room to the bedroom to the car, to the office). Open my eyes to the unbelieving and blind hearts around me and give me the words of wisdom to point them to this Jesus, who alone is God's appointed Refuge for sinners. Through Christ I gladly come, amen.

Key verses: "The Lord swore to David a sure oath from which he will not turn back: “One of the sons of your body I will set on your throne. If your sons keep my covenant and my testimonies that I shall teach them, their sons also forever shall sit on your throne.” For the Lord has chosen Zion; he has desired it for his dwelling place: “This is my resting place forever; here I will dwell, for I have desired it. I will abundantly bless her provisions; I will satisfy her poor with bread. Her priests I will clothe with salvation, and her saints will shout for joy. There I will make a horn to sprout for David; I have prepared a lamp for my anointed. His enemies I will clothe with shame, but on him his crown will shine.” (‭Psalm‬ ‭132‬:‭11-18‬ ESV)

Hymn: "Immanuel Is Come" by William S. Pinkston

Stanzas:
All glory be to God on high;
Let peace on earth descend:
The Son of God comes from the sky
To show Himself our Friend.

Refrain:
Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel is come.
Rejoice! Rejoice! Immanuel is come!

Men stand amazed! It seems unjust!
The Lord of earth and skies
Is humbled now with bonds of dust,
And in a manger lies.

In heaven angels once adored
Their Maker and their King;
Now tidings of their humbled Lord
To mortals they must sing.

The God invisible appears,
But with His glories shorn,
To travel thro' this vale of tears
And die, our Lord is born.

The great eternal Son of God
Becomes the Son of Man;
As God dwells in an earthly clod
Redemption is His plan.

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