Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion!
Shout, Daughter of Jerusalem!
See, your king comes to you,
righteous and having salvation,
gentle and riding on a donkey,
on a colt, the foal of a donkey. (NIV)

Easter (Resurrection Sunday) comes very early this year, falling on March 23rd, just one day shy of the earliest possible date it can arrive. For those wondering just how late Easter can show up, April 25th is that date.

Zechariah prophesied that a king would show up, bringing salvation with him, and that prophesy was fulfilled when Jesus arrived in Jerusalem on a donkey that Palm Sunday (estimated to be on April 6, 32 AD by a Sir Robert Anderson, former head of Scotland Yard, an English layman with a keen understanding of the Bible). Read Luke 19:28-42 for the fulfillment.

Tying what Zechariah said with Daniel’s prophecy in Daniel 9:25 it becomes evident that Jesus showed up exactly on schedule.

This week Christian’s will be marking the most important events on the church calendar, even more important than the birth of Jesus Christ.

This past Sunday was Palm Sunday, marking the coming of the king and in peace. Thursday marks the Last Supper, the time when Jesus ministered to his disciples for the final time before His death while revealing that one would betray Him.

Friday is Good Friday, where Jesus took the sins of the world upon His shoulders — dying a horrible death on the cross — being the perfect sin offering before Father God. Finally, Sunday is Resurrection Sunday, signifying that Jesus rose bodily from the dead, overcoming sin and death once and for all.

While the king arrived in Jerusalem on a donkey (signifying peace), the king will return again, but this occurrence has him riding on a horse (signifying war).

All of mankind is at war with God until people individually make peace with Him on His terms. God has provided a way to end this war, through the sacrifice of His perfect sin offering, Jesus Christ. This sacrifice has already been done, but to be saved from your sins you must accept His atoning work.

Are you at peace with God or are you at war with God? There isn’t any middle ground! Come to Jesus this Easter season and understand that your sins are what is separating you from having communion with God.

Jesus is the bridge between God and man, the only avenue to the Father who is calling you to Himself today by His Spirit.

For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,
To order it an establish it with judgment and justice
From that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this. (NKJV)

One of my favorite scriptures are these two verses which are found in the Book of Isaiah. Clearly, they point to the coming Messiah centuries before the prophecy of His birth was fulfilled.

Today is Christmas Eve and tomorrow is Christmas Day, the time of the year when Christians celebrate the first advent of the Messiah. Yes, Jesus wasn’t born on December 25th, but that doesn’t matter — He was God veiled in the flesh who grew up, preached freedom to the captives, and made a way for mankind to overcome sin and death.

The first advent, as beautiful of a celebration it is, pales in comparison to what is coming — Jesus’ second advent and the ushering in of His kingdom forevermore.

The nations may rage against the truth, but the truth shall prevail. Understanding that the Babe lying in a manger was the Messiah is one thing, allowing Him to take hold of your heart is something altogether different.

Have you given to Jesus the only gift He wants from you this Christmas season? Give to Him your heart and truly understand what Christmas is really all about!