What if the story of Christmas actually begins in the shadow of humanity's greatest failure? In this profound exploration of Genesis 3:14-15, we discover something remarkable: God's promise of redemption comes immediately after the fall. Before Adam and Eve even leave the Garden, God is already announcing his rescue plan. This passage, known as the proto-evangelism or 'first gospel,' reveals that Jesus was never plan B. The Messiah was promised before sin could even fully take root, showing us that nothing in our lives catches God off guard. The imagery is striking — the manger becomes a battlefield where the promised child enters enemy territory to begin crushing the serpent's head.

As we journey through Advent, we're reminded that authentic hope isn't found in our circumstances but in knowing how the story ends. Like watching a replay of a close game where we already know our team wins, we can rest in the assurance that God has already secured our victory through Christ. The question becomes: are we living with that same expectation and longing for his return?

🎧 For additional encouragement, listen to Come Thou Long Expected Jesus.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pFloWX1yuyQ&list=PLSVdWmL3WBddbSuPfppFGa_c2KyQwXxdx