Window 18) A Messenger to come to prepare

[Looking at some of the prophecies about the Advent of the promised coming Saviour/Messiah]

Window 18) There will be a messenger to prepare the people for Christ

John the Baptist would come to prepare
so the people were ready God’s Word to hear,
though still many wanted freedom from Rome,
and to see Christ in splendour,
not first an an urgent Rebuker and Teacher, and Saviour.

”I will send my mesenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking … the messenger of the covenant whom you desire, will come”, says the Lord Almighty. Malachi 3:1

Window 17) A king riding a donkey
A righteous king will bring salvation,
and humbly on a donkey ride
and so Jesus did, when
they flocked to his side,
with branches of palm,
and praise from the psalm.

Rejoice greatly … your king comes to you, righteous and having salvation, gentle and riding on a donkey … Zechariah 9:9 (see Matthew 21:1-9 and John 12:12-15)

Window 16) to be born in Bethlehem

Eternal God became a babe
born in Bethlehem
– from old, foretold –
to be the Christ, Messiah, King
his people to redeem.

Bethlehem … though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times. Micah 5:2

Window 15) The suffering Servant

God’s special servant will be wise,
but many will be shocked,
astonished, shun –
his life begun
so quietly but then
would take the punishment
that brings us peace, and when
he’s risen from the dead
he’ll see his saved ones and be glad.

My servant will act wisely; he will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted … he was despised …  the punishment that brings us peace was upon him … After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light of life and be satisfied. Isaiah 52:13, 53:3b, 5b, 11

Window 14) to lift up the broken …
God’s servant to come
filled with his Spirit,
a light for the gentile nations,
bringing hope and justice and liberations,
hurt hearts he’ll soothe,
and wounds he’ll bind,
sight to the blind,
revive the crumbling,
and strengthen the stumbling,
their tongues and ways
will bring him praise.

My chosen one in whom I delight … A bruised reed he will not break, and a smouldering wick he will not snuff out … I will… make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles, to open the eyes that are blind … he anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the broken-hearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives … Isaiah 42: 1,6,7 & 61:1,3

Window 13) He will be Wonderful Counsellor …
A great light for those in darkness
when the child is born
who will be
Wonderful Counsellor,
Mighty God,
Everlasting Father,
Prince of Peace:
Messiah coming to save,
and then will come
to reign over his kingdom
and rule his earth.

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; … For to us a child is born, to us a son is given …he will be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end … . Isaiah 9: 2,6,7a