Advent 2024 : December 6

Imagine the delightful scents of blooming flowers and lush grass in a beautiful garden. Picture breakfast hanging low on the branches of fruit trees, while birds sing sweet melodies. Visualize a majestic lion walking gracefully, seeking affection, as animals play fearlessly and butterflies flit about. In this serene paradise, the temperature was so pleasant that clothing was unnecessary. Every evening, God strolled through the garden, enjoying fellowship with Adam and Eve.

Life for these first created beings was filled with divine intent. Created in God’s image, they engaged in His plan to enjoy and worship Him forever. However, they disobeyed by eating from the one forbidden tree—the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. Instantly, shame washed over them, and they felt the need to hide from God, sewing fig leaves together for cover.

They were accustomed to God walking in the garden each evening, sharing rich conversations. Yet, when God came on the evening of their disobedience, they hid among the trees, attempting to conceal themselves from the One with whom they had shared such deep fellowship.

God called to them, eventually finding them cowering in their makeshift clothing. They confessed their disobedience and, in mercy, God killed an animal to provide a covering for their shame.

This was God’s first rescue mission. Although Adam and Eve could no longer dwell in the garden, God did not abandon them. Instead, He offered forgiveness through the slain animal whose skin became their covering. Throughout the Scriptures, God sought a people to follow Him, foreshadowing the ultimate rescue—sending His Son to atone for our sins. This is the reason we celebrate Christmas, the ultimate rescue mission. Broken lives can be made new!

PRAYER: Father God, thank you for rescuing Adam and Eve from their sin. Thank you that you love broken people, and through the gift of your Son Jesus, made a way for us to experience wholeness and sweet fellowship with you now and for eternity.