Episode 2: Prepare Him Room

O Come O Come Emmanuel: 2024 Advent Devotional

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In Episode 2 of O Come, O Come Emmanuel, we dive into the story of Abraham and Sarah, a story of faith, waiting, and God’s unwavering promises. As we continue to explore the theme of waiting throughout Scripture, this episode reminds us of the vital connection between faith and God's faithfulness, especially during the Advent season.

God’s Promises Amid Uncertainty

From the beginning, God’s people have been called to trust in His promises. In Episode 1, we reflected on the first promise in Genesis 3:15, where God assured Adam and Eve that a redeemer would come through the seed of the woman to crush the serpent's head. By Genesis 12, we find this promise renewed in God’s covenant with Abraham, a man called out of a pagan culture to be the father of nations. Despite the odds—an elderly couple beyond childbearing years—God promised that Abraham and Sarah would have a son through whom all nations would be blessed.

Yet, the journey was not without missteps. Impatience led Abraham and Sarah to take matters into their own hands, resulting in the birth of Ishmael through Sarah’s servant, Hagar. Despite their failures, God’s faithfulness remained constant. As Genesis 17 recounts, God reaffirmed His promise, and in their old age, Abraham and Sarah welcomed Isaac, the son of promise.

Faith and God’s Timing

The story of Abraham and Sarah is a profound reminder that God's timing often challenges our understanding. Waiting can be difficult, especially when we don’t see how God’s promises will unfold. Like Abraham and Sarah, we may be tempted to rush God’s plans, but their story teaches us to trust His perfect timing.

Paul reflects on this in Romans 4, emphasizing that Abraham’s righteousness came through faith, not works. His trust in God’s promise, despite the impossibility of the situation, was credited to him as righteousness. This faith is a model for us today, reminding us that our hope lies not in our efforts but in God’s unchanging character.

The Fulfillment in Christ

Abraham’s story points us directly to Jesus, the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promise. Through Christ, the blessing promised to Abraham extends to all nations. Born in a manger, Jesus is the embodiment of God’s faithfulness and the fulfillment of the long-awaited promise. His life, death, and resurrection paved the way for reconciliation with God, making us heirs of Abraham’s promise through faith.

The song Prepare Him Room by Sovereign Grace beautifully captures this truth: “God with us, the promise has come to be.” Christmas celebrates the inbreaking of God’s light into the darkness and the fulfillment of His redemptive plan. It’s a season to remember that God is faithful and trustworthy, keeping every promise He makes.

Trusting God in Our Waiting

The Advent season invites us to reflect on God’s faithfulness and renew our trust in Him. Whether we’re waiting for answered prayers, the salvation of loved ones, or clarity in uncertain times, the Christmas story reminds us that God’s timing is perfect. Just as Mary and Joseph trusted God’s plan despite the challenges they faced, we too can find comfort and courage in His promises.

Christmas is more than a celebration of Christ’s first coming—it’s also a reminder of our hope in His return. As we wait for His second coming, may we find strength in the faith of those who waited before us and live with the assurance that God’s promises never fail.

A Call to Faith and Reflection

This Christmas, let’s prepare our hearts to trust God fully. Like the angels proclaimed, “Glory to the newborn King!” may we declare His faithfulness in our lives and share the hope of His promises with others. Let this season be a time of renewed faith, deeper trust, and joyful anticipation as we reflect on the God who is always faithful.

“Joyful all ye nations rise, join the triumph of the skies, with angelic hosts proclaim, Christ is born in Bethlehem!”