Advent Reflections – Day 19 (18th December 2025)

First reading: Jer 23:5-8
Psalm 72: 1-2, 12-13, 18-19 (R. see 7)
Gospel: Matthew 1:18-24

The first reading of today reveals a name of God that is essential to our identity as Christians; The LORD Our Righteousness
(Jehovah-Tsidkenu). That God—having decided that the most righteous we can be, is equivalent to filthy rags (Isa 64:6) compared to His righteousness—went ahead and gave mankind His own righteousness as a gift. Further down in that first reading, we saw other dimensions of what God did for us as believers: deliverance, restoration, redemption (buttressed in Col 1: 12-14).

We saw in the gospel the beauty of how the salvation of the world was implemented. A young couple who had already planned their lives and future together (probably over countless dates and meetings) suddenly had the trajectory of their lives and futures turned on its head. But for the sake of their God, they accepted the call. The reality that their lives, family and future will NEVER be like others.

God made a sacrifice for the sake of mankind. It cost Him His son, His obedience and humility (on the part of The Son). Man also made sacrifices. They sacrificed their chance of a normal life, just to be the parent of the one who would come to save them and save mankind. It demanded obedience and total submission to the will of their God, and they gave all without hesitation.

I’ve come to realize that to achieve God’s ultimate desire for mankind (2 Pet 3:9, Eze 33:11), it will always require that collaborative sacrifice from both God and man. God has done His part. Many men before us have done their part, and that’s why the Gospel could reach us. Now, we must also do our part.

As co-ministers of salvation, this ministry will demand our time, effort, prayers and money. How much have we sacrificed so far? How much more are we willing to sacrifice? Let us not forget that this ministry of reconciling man to God (2 Cor 5:18-19) entrusted to us should be foremost in our minds, as a primary purpose of our existence on earth. And at the end of it all, there’s a reward for those who are diligent, steadfast and faithful. May we not miss our reward at the end of our race in Jesus name, amen.

Maranatha. Come o Lord.

Written Bro Kingsley Agbam