The Beginning of Advent

by Anthony Wilson

ADVENT DEVOTIONAL ~ DAY 2

Read Genesis 3:1-19

After God created all things, we see that He was pleased with what he had created. We now find ourselves in Genesis 3. This is the story of man's sin against God. Most of us know the story of how Satan entered the garden and twisted the truth to cause Adam and Eve to sin against God. We see that Adam and Eve felt ashamed of their nakedness and sin, so they hide from Him when they hear God coming. Think about the difference between God coming into the garden after man has sinned compared to our excitement about the coming of Jesus in baby form. While we are from the family of Adam, meaning that we all have sinned and disobeyed God, we are excited for Jesus to come to earth. Why are we, as sinners, excited for Jesus to come when Adam was ashamed when God came? The reason is found in Genesis 3:15. This is where we see God proclaim judgment on the serpent. God tells him, "And I will put hostility between you and the woman and between your offspring and her offspring, he will strike your head, and you will strike his heel." This verse is known as "Protoevangelium," the first good news. God announces that there will be a man to crush the head of Satan. Sure, Satan will cause suffering and pain, but the final blow will come to Satan's head. God proclaims the coming of Jesus 4000 years before he arrives. The fall of man establishes our need for Christ!

Application questions

How do you think about your sin as part of the reason for the season?

What aspect of Adam and Eve's story can you relate to?

Spend time confessing your sins and thanking God for the work of Christ to redeem you in your brokenness.