Long ago God spoke through prophets in fragments, but in these last days God has spoken fully and finally in his Son; when people look at Jesus they see the Father’s authority, character, and provision — everything needed to be satisfied, reconciled, and to know God personally. [06:52]
Hebrews 1:1–4 (ESV)
Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.
Reflection: What is one specific area of your life where you are still trying to be satisfied apart from Jesus? Pause for five minutes today, name that area to God, and ask Jesus to be your complete satisfaction there.
At Jesus’ baptism the Father publicly vindicates and declares the Son’s identity — a divine affirmation that the Son rules with authority and that his life, teaching, and resurrection vindicate his right to call people to trust, obey, and receive everything the Father offers through him. [19:10]
Matthew 3:16–17 (ESV)
And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”
Reflection: Think of one decision you’ve resisted because you feared losing control; in prayer today, confess that resistance to the Father’s voice and ask him to help you obey one concrete next step Jesus is calling you to take this week.
The title "Son of Man" points back to Daniel’s vision: the one like a human who is given dominion, glory, and an everlasting kingdom; Jesus embodies that fulfillment — both humble humanity and sovereign king who will make all things right. [03:44]
Daniel 7:13–14 (ESV)
I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed.
Reflection: Name one person in your life who needs to see Jesus as King rather than merely a moral teacher; ask God now for one specific way to point that person to Christ this week and act on it.
God’s promise to David that an offspring would sit on his throne forever finds its completion in Jesus, who is the appointed heir with authority and an inherited reign; believing in Jesus places a believer into that royal family and secured hope. [04:20]
2 Samuel 7:12–16 (ESV)
“When your days are fulfilled and you lie down with your fathers, I will raise up your offspring after you, who shall come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be to him a father, and he shall be to me a son. When he commits iniquity, I will punish him with the rod of men, with the stripes of the sons of men, but my steadfast love will not depart from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away from before you. And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure before me forever; your throne shall be established forever.”
Reflection: Identify any identity or insecurity you hold that competes with “child of God through Jesus”; today write that down and replace it by declaring aloud, “I am a child of God through Jesus,” and thank the Father for that inheritance.
Mount Sinai’s glory made people afraid and kept them at a distance, but in Christ the radiance of God draws people near; Advent begins by naming the darkness and then celebrating the God who becomes flesh so that sinners can approach, be purified, and receive mercy. [08:47]
Exodus 19:16–20 (ESV)
On the third day there were thunders and lightnings and a thick cloud on the mountain and a very loud trumpet blast, so that all the people in the camp trembled. And Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet God, and they took their stand at the foot of the mountain. Now Mount Sinai was wrapped in smoke because the LORD had descended on it in fire. The smoke of it went up like the smoke of a kiln, and the whole mountain trembled greatly. And as the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke, and God answered him in thunder. The LORD came down on Mount Sinai, to the top of the mountain. And the LORD called Moses to the top of the mountain, and Moses went up.
Reflection: What darkness or fear has kept you from approaching God? This afternoon, spend ten minutes confessing that fear and ask Jesus to shine his light into it, then take one small step toward God (reading Scripture, calling a brother/sister, or praying) to draw nearer.
Advent begins with a problem: we live in the dark. Hebrews 1 tells us that long ago God spoke in many ways—through prophets, visions, even long silences—but all of it was partial. Now, in these last days, God has spoken fully and finally in his Son. That means we don’t have to guess what God is like, what he wants, or where to find him. Jesus is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact imprint of his nature. If you can see and hear Jesus, you can see and hear the Father.
I pressed us to think beyond seasonal slogans. Many in the first century chased spiritual speculation—angels, secret knowledge, apocalyptic charts—while neglecting the clear voice of the Son. We’re not so different. We say we want Jesus, then try to fill our souls with money, achievement, control, kid success, or a quieter calendar. But the Son is enough because he carries the Father’s authority and character. He’s the heir of all things; the wind and waves obey him, and so must we. That’s good news because nothing in our life sits outside his care. It’s also confronting because he has the right to command our obedience where we resist.
The Son also shares the Father’s holy character. His glory attracts and exposes at the same time. He will not make peace with our sin, and that is precisely why he made purification for sins. The cross is where his holiness and love meet: sin is judged, sinners are welcomed. Having finished that work, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. From there he advocates for us, granting access—not merely to a future place called heaven—but to the Father himself and all his benefits now: love that steadies, joy that cannot be stolen, peace that does not depend on circumstances.
So, as we say “Son of God” this season, let’s mean it. Let’s receive the Son as God’s final word, submit to his rightful authority, trust his holy love, and come boldly for what only the Father can give us through him. If you’ve only wanted Jesus as an escape plan, come to him as your life, your portion, your satisfaction.
Hebrews 1:1–4 — 1 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.
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