Advent for 19 Dec 18

Then will the eyes of the blind be opened and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then will the lame leap like a deer, and the mute tongue shout for joy. Water will gush forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert (Isaiah 35:5–6).

The Messiah must be one who can do the impossible. In this prophecy, we read that He will cure blindness and deafness by speaking the cure. The power was not in His speech; it is because He is creator. This prophecy was fulfilled many times.

When John, who was in prison, heard about the deeds of the Messiah, he sent his disciples to ask him, 'Are you the one who is to come, or should we expect someone else?' "Jesus replied, 'Go back and report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is proclaimed to the poor. Blessed is anyone who does not stumble on account of me (Matthew 11:2–6). Be thankful for a Messiah who can has this ability.

Advent for 18 Dec 18

Isaiah 61:1-3 GW  The Spirit of the Almighty LORD is with me because the LORD has anointed me to deliver good news to humble people. He has sent me to heal those who are brokenhearted, to announce that captives will be set free and prisoners will be released.  2  He has sent me to announce the year of the LORD'S good will and the day of our God's vengeance, to comfort all those who grieve.  3  He has sent me to provide for all those who grieve in Zion, to give them crowns instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of tears of grief, and clothes of praise instead of a spirit of weakness. They will be called Oaks of Righteousness, the Plantings of the LORD, so that he might display his glory.

Messiah was appointed and specially endowed (anointed) to preach the message in the passage. This was fulfilled in Luke 4:16-21. For the next 3+ years that is what the Lord Jesus did. Be thankful for the Messiah, Jesus, who came, ministered, and gave us hope.

Advent for 17 Dec 18

Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan—The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned (Isaiah 9:1–2).

Here is a prophecy predicting that Messiah would come from Galilee. This was fulfilled: When Jesus heard that John had been put in prison, he withdrew to Galilee. Leaving Nazareth, he went and lived in Capernaum, which was by the lake in the area of Zebulun and Naphtali—to fulfill what was said through the prophet Isaiah: Land of Zebulun and land of Naphtali, the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles—the people living in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of the shadow of death a light has dawned.' From that time on Jesus began to preach, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near (Matthew 4:12–17). Be thankful that there are prophecies to help us discern who is Messiah.