Hope in the Midst of Despair

The tragic story of human disobedience that we call “The Fall” is recounted in Genesis 3. In a perfect setting, with uninterrupted fellowship with the living God, Adam and Eve were persuaded that they were missing out. God, it was argued, was holding back on them and they needed to assert their rights. So, beguiled by weasel words, both Adam and Eve broke the one restriction which was in place to test their loyalty and love. They ate the forbidden fruit.

The results of eating were immediate and calamitous. Yes, their eyes were opened, but instead of giving them new insight, it distorted and disfigured everything, spoiling and spreading into every facet of their lives. They became self-conscious, and, aware of their nudity, hid until they improvised badly with a fig-leaf. Relationships which had been open and transparent with God and one another were now marked by shame and fear and they resorted to hiding.

Yet God sought them out. “Where are you?” is not just the right question for them there, but a good question for us as we start the journey to Bethlehem. They explained their predicament but, when pushed, began to make excuses. The man blamed the woman, the woman blamed the snake, and the snake said nothing, because he hadn’t a leg to stand on!

There was no going back. Soon they would be banished from the Garden of Eden. To stay would spoil the Garden and it would be a long journey before humankind could ever return. The ripples caused by their disobedience would affect the environment, daily work, childbirth and family life. However, at the very moment when Satan’s victory seemed total and complete, God spoke.

Verse 15 has been called the “protoevangelium of the gospel,” the first hint that God was not wrong-footed. In a remarkable prophecy it speaks of a day when a descendant of Adam and Eve would be born to confront the snake. Once again it would seem that the snake would triumph as it launched its attack, inflicting pain and harm on the man. “You will strike his heel”- and such a snake bite is often fatal, as indeed would be the cross in the case of Jesus. However, the key word is spoken, “He will crush your head!”

However bad things become for the seed of the woman, whose name we know to be Jesus, the last word remains with God. The moment of apparent defeat will turn into ultimate triumph as resurrection follows death for Jesus. Christ triumphs over Satan by the cross, disarming him in the process. (1)

There is so much more meaning in the birth of this little baby that brings joy to the world at Christmas.

1. Colossians 2:15