Jesus’s Birth Prophecy: Hosea 11

Around 750BC, a prophet named Hosea prophesied of Jesus coming into the world. Through a single verse, we learn that this Son is Israel, of whom the Father loves. This same Son is the God of Israel and also came into the world through a virgin named Mary. Speaking of Mary and Joseph and their baby, they were directed by the Father through an angel to send His only begotten son out of Bethlehem and into Egypt for safety. This is when Herod was on the scene and wanted to kill Jesus before He got any older so that He would not take over His kingdom. You see, Herod thought that when Jesus got older the people would make Him king, and His rule would be over. For this cause, Jesus was led in safety with His parents into Egypt. Now, speaking of Hosea, this verse reads, “when Israel was a child, then I loved him, and called my son out of Egypt.” (Hosea 11:1) Reading this verse in Hosea can leave question marks in people’s minds about who this person is, especially when it seems that he is speaking of Moses leading His people out of Egypt. However, the writer of Matthew is able to help fill in the gaps.

Many people would have guessed that Hosea 11:1 was speaking of Moses leading God’s people out of Egypt, and this is partially true, however, it is when Jesus was directed by an angel, sent from God, to also go to Egypt for Safety is when this prophecy was fulfilled. It is written, speaking of the wise men, “and being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way. And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.” (Matthew 2:12-15) I am so grateful that Jesus was safe from the enemy as a baby. It is in this Christmas season that we remember His birth, for Jesus is Lord of lords and alive. Amen.

Let us pray:
Oh Lord, help us to keep our eyes fixed upon You during this Christmas season and every day of the year also. So many people are making money on this holiday through Santa Clause, Elf’s, reindeer, and the North Pole, and it saddens me. Even people who profess to know You tell their kids that Santa is coming and to be good. Not to be good for You, but for a fictional character. This is idolatry and people cannot even see this as a problem. And so we have people bringing their kids to the mall and other places, in order to sit on Santa’s lap. Young kids do this and tell him what they most desire for Christmas and in life. What mockery this is to You and Your throne. Truly, these parents that lead these children to do this don’t know You at all, for if they did, they would stop telling their kids these lies. And instead, they would teach their children to seek You with their whole hearts. Not to a man that is not real, but to You, my Lord. I love You, God, and wish that people throughout the world would also learn to love You. So please come and cast these idols and false gods out from people’s lives. This I pray. Amen.

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