On Day 3 of the Lifespring! WhyChristmas Advent Calendar, we arrive at the official start of Advent—Advent Sunday. This episode, originally recorded in 2006, highlights one of the most meaningful themes of Advent: listening to the voices of the prophets. Steve Webb welcomes you, then hands the microphone to James Cooper of WhyChristmas.com to guide us into the Scriptures that foretold the coming of Jesus. The First Candle: The Prophets James begins by explaining why the first Sunday of Advent traditionally focuses on the prophets. These men—Isaiah, Micah, and many others—spoke centuries before the birth of Jesus, yet their words burned with hope. They looked forward to the moment when God would step into the world in a new way. Lighting the first Advent candle reminds us that God’s promises are ancient, intentional, and trustworthy. Isaiah, writing around seven hundred years before Jesus’ birth, delivered some of the most familiar prophecies of Christmas. He foretold a virgin giving birth to a son called Emmanuel, meaning “God with us.” He described a child born to bring light to people walking in darkness, a child who would be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. These prophecies weren’t poetic guesses; they were God’s declarations of a coming Savior. A King from Jesse’s Line James and Steve continue by reading from Isaiah chapter 11, which describes a new beginning springing up from what looked like a dead stump. This “shoot from the stump of Jesse” points to Jesus, the promised King from David’s line. Isaiah paints a picture of the Messiah filled with wisdom, understanding, counsel, power, knowledge, and reverence for the Lord—qualities seen clearly in the life of Jesus. Micah Names the Place Then we hear from Micah, another prophet whose words echo through Advent. Micah not only spoke of a ruler whose greatness would reach the ends of the earth—he named the very town where the Messiah would be born: Bethlehem. Centuries later, the shepherds would find Jesus in that exact place, wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger. To explore these passages further, you can read Isaiah 9:2–7 and Micah 5:2–5 . The Story Began Long Before Bethlehem This episode reminds us that the Christmas story did not begin in Bethlehem. It began in the heart of God, spoken through His prophets across the centuries. When we hear the Christmas story today, we hear the fulfillment of promises whispered long before Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem. For more Advent resources and Christmas traditions, visit WhyChristmas.com , and explore additional teaching from Steve Webb at LifespringMedia.com . Thank you for joining Day 3 of the Lifespring! WhyChristmas Advent Calendar. Come back tomorrow as we open the next door together.
