Matthew 2:1-2

Christmas is a time to celebrate the greatest gift of all, Jesus. Looking at the story of Christ's anticipated arrival at Christmas reminds us that Jesus came to be the fulfillment of God's promises and faithfulness. All our hopes and prayers are answered in the presence of Jesus, Emmanuel, God with us.

The Christmas story is one surprise after another. But sometimes the details become so familiar that they lose their impact. These short prayer devotionals help you to dwell deeply on the most unexpected and significant event in history: that God himself became one of us. Each prayer is written by David Mathis, executive editor for desiringGod.org and pastor at Cities Church in Saint Paul, Minnesota.

Itämaan tietäjien rooli joulukertomuksessa puhuu meille vuosisatojen takaa. Heidän hengellinen ja historiallinen merkityksensä on kuitenkin suurempi kuin ”kolmen viisaan miehen” koristeelliset puvut ja uskonnollinen ulkoasu. Katsottuasi, kuinka Jumala käytti tietäjiä sovitussuunnitelmassaan, tulet näkemään kertomuksen uusin silmin.

In Charles Wesley’s famous Christmas hymn, “Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus,” we sing that Jesus is the joy of every longing heart. This Advent, discover how the divine orchestration of human events and various responses to his coming, exposes the longing of our hearts. From kings and rulers to shepherds and expectant virgins, Jesus’ advent reveals what we treasure. Find him the joy of your heart this Christmas.