Listening to people argue is an interesting exercise. Arguing is a science among lawyers as they plead their case. I have had the opportunity to attend numerous proceedings in criminal court and listen to cases being pled before a judge.

Lawyers are masters at summing up their arguments as they conclude their presentation. After a time of deliberation the judge pronounces his verdict as the last or final word.

In biblical history God spoke numerous ways through many prophets—with Jesus being the final Word.

Hebrews 1:1-2 makes it clear—in the Greek text—that God is done speaking through prophets. The prophetic office ends with God’s Son. All prophecy points to the final Prophet, whose coming we celebrate this month.

As you read your Old Testament, look for information concerning the One whose appearance in history marked a profound turning point. The calendar has a year marked on it that is understood to represent the number of years since Jesus was born.

So this year is a total of 2023 years since Jesus was born. However, we have learned through historical research that the actual year of Jesus’ birth is somewhere between 1-7 BCE. No matter, He came and concluded the work of delivering God’s message to humanity.

O little town of Bethlehem,
How still we see thee lie!
Above thy deep and dreamless sleep
The silent stars go by;
Yet in thy darkness shineth
The everlasting Light;
The hopes and fears of all the years
Are met in thee tonight.

Jesus is God’s last word— are you listening?

“May we sit at the foot of the cross; and there learn what sin has done, what justice has done, what love has done.”

  - John Newton