Jesus Before Bethlehem

Book excerpt: What was Jesus doing prior to his conception in Mary's womb? While we see the Father and the Holy Spirit actively engaged in human affairs across the pages of the Old Testament, the other member of the Trinity is foreshadowed in messianic prophecies but otherwise absent from the earth. Or is he? Jesus Before Bethlehem explores dozens of Old Testament appearances by a figure often called "the angel of the LORD." He not only speaks for God; he speaks as God. He appears as a man, a voice from heaven, a flame within a thorn bush, and a divine presence in a pillar of cloud and fire - all of which come to us as Christophanies, or appearances of the preincarnate Christ. Written for pastors and laypersons alike, this study is designed to show how the eternal Son of God has always taken a personal interest in those he created to be his imagers on earth.