Prophets of Advent: How the Old Testament Points Us to Christ

We have often heard that the birth of Jesus was the realization of God’s promise and the prophecies of the Old Testament. Each Advent, we have the opportunity to relive this long period of waiting by reflecting on these prophecies as we prepare for the birth of our Savior on Christmas Day.  

What is a Prophet? 

A prophet was a spokesperson of God, communicating God’s messages to His people through the power of the Holy Spirit. The prophets were always directly called by God, receiving the messages by way of visions, dreams, or audible encounters. Often in the Old Testament, their role was to convince the Israelites of their sins, remind them of their covenants, and ask them to return to God. A prophet would also act as an advocate between God and His people.  They would interpret what was going on in that particular moment and explain God‘s plan for his people, warning them of God‘s judgment. Prophets hear the cries of the people, their hopes and longings, and represent them before God. Through the prophets, God made promises to be faithful and send a redeemer.  

Isaiah

Of all the prophets who spoke of the coming Messiah, none painted a more complete and vivid picture than Isaiah. Often called the "fifth gospel" because of its detailed prophecies about Christ, the book of Isaiah stands as a masterpiece of prophetic literature. The prophet Isaiah lived 740–680 BC. Many of his prophecies predicted events in the 'near' future but also in the distant future. For example, he foretold the coming of the Messiah and the salvation of the Lord. But he also talked about the second coming of Jesus. His message is that salvation comes from God. God alone is Savior, ruler, and king.

Isaiah is called the prophet of Advent because he prophesied the coming of the Messiah through a virgin birth.

"Therefore, the Lord Himself will give you a sign: behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son and shall call his name Immanuel." Isaiah 7:14 Isaiah then describes the Messiah, like a mighty God, prince of peace:

"For unto us, a child is born. To us a son is given. And he will be called wonderful, counselor, mighty God, everlasting Father, prince of peace." Isaiah 9:6

Micah

While Isaiah prophesied about who the Messiah would be, another prophet revealed exactly where He would be born. In a tiny village that seemed insignificant to the world, God would begin His greatest work. The prophet Micah lived from 737–690 BC. He was one of the 12 minor prophets of the Old Testament who predicted the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem.

"But you, 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

Jeremiah

Known as the "weeping prophet" for his compassion and sorrow over Israel's unfaithfulness, Jeremiah also carried a message of hope—that God would keep His promise to send a King from David's royal line. Even in the darkest times, Jeremiah pointed forward to the coming Savior. Jeremiah lived from approximately 650 to 570 BC. He predicted that the Messiah would be from the line of David.

"'The days are coming,' declares the LORD, 'when I will raise up for David a righteous Branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land.'" Jeremiah 23:5

Zechariah

Centuries before Palm Sunday, another prophet saw the coming King in a vision, not arriving in military splendor or political power, but in humility and peace. This prophecy would be fulfilled in stunning detail when Jesus entered Jerusalem. Zechariah lived around 520–470 BC. He prophesied that the Messiah would be a righteous and victorious king riding on a donkey into Jerusalem.

"Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey." Zechariah 9:9

Malachi

The final voice of the Old Testament prophets spoke across four hundred years of silence, bridging the gap between the old covenant and the new. Malachi's words would find their fulfillment in John the Baptist, the one who would cry out in the wilderness and prepare hearts to receive the Lord. Malachi lived from 459-430 BC. He was one of the last minor prophets, and his name means "my messenger." This final book of the Old Testament contains prophecies about a messenger who would prepare the way for the Messiah. 

"See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to his temple. The messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, indeed he is coming, says the Lord of hosts" Malachi 3:1–4

From Prophecy to Practice: Our Role as Advent Witnesses Today

As we reflect on these verses, let us remember that we, too, are all called to be prophets. We are to listen to God‘s voice of mercy and love. We are also called to be advocates for the people we encounter, giving them hope and joy. May we, like the prophets, listen to God‘s call and walk in the light of His presence.  For He is the king of the universe, the light of the world. 

“Today, today our Savior has been born, our Savior has been born to us. He is Christ the Lord Christ the Lord, Jesus Christ the Lord.”