Christmas Advent 2012 Day 4

December 5, 2012 Growing up in Borger, Texas was a unique experience. My dad had played semi-pro baseball for the Borger Gassers in the late 1940’s and early 1950’s. Needless to say he was known all over town. Whenever I would meet adults, after hearing my last name they would ask two question; “Are you Gilly’s son?” and “Do you play baseball like him?” Needless to say, the rebellious son could never get away with anything because people would always tell on me. If something happened at school, He knew it. If something happened anywhere He knew it. It wasn’t until I was older that I really came to appreciate the heritage of my father. You see his reputation was one of integrity based upon his faith in God. Jesus’ earthly heritage was prophesied to be a king of the House of David. Jeremiah 23:5 says, “Behold, the days come, says Jehovah, that I will raise to David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and act wisely, and shall do judgment and justice in the earth.” All through the history of Israel they looked forward to a coming king who would deliver them from the oppression they had endured for so many years. Looking back we can see that when Jesus was born he had an earthly heritage through Joseph going back to Abraham, according to Matthew, and Adam according to Luke. His birth was a fulfillment of the Hope for all mankind and the one Israel looked forward to. As we look forward to the celebration of Christmas, let us put our Hope and focus upon the one born in the city of David, to the earthly father of his heritage. It’s something to think about.