Advent Passage: Genesis 1-3

Yesterday, we considered Luke’s genealogy of Joseph, David’s earthly father. Luke traces Joseph’s lineage back to the beginning, to Adam. Along with Eve, Adam represents God’s first humans. After creating a garden to sustain them, God formed this couple in His own image and blessed them.

According to Genesis, this garden had many delicious trees, but two special trees stood in the middle: the tree of life and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. God told Adam, “ You are free to eat from any tree in the garden; but you must not eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, for when you eat of it you will surely die” (2:16-17).

As we know all too well, the serpent entered into the garden to challenge this command. In the process, it divided Eve and Adam, distorted God’s words, and questioned God’s intentions.

Adam and Eve believed the serpent instead of consulting God. They chose the knowledge of good and evil instead of life with God. Their decision led to shame and separation from Him. It also disrupted their relationship with God’s creation and with one another.

As God warned, death was the consequence. I’m sure the serpent assumed victory and the end of humanity, but it failed to understand what every evil that seeks to divide God and His people fails to understand. The only thing that the knowledge of evil has to offer is the overwhelming realization that GOD IS GOOD.

And, because God is good, Adam and Eve received His mercy. God made the first animal sacrifice to offer Adam and Eve clothing to cover their shame. Next, God ushered them right out of the garden, blocking their access to the tree of life. This action seems cruel, but eating from the tree of life would forever keep Adam and Eve in their state of shame and separation in the company of evil.

Instead, God had a plan to save humanity from eternal separation, rooted in His goodness. This is the mercy Mary sings about that God extends from generation to generation.

In His mercy, Jesus came to restore our communion with God and unity with one another. He became the ultimate sacrifice to cover our shame and expose the lies that seek to divide, distort, and destroy us. We can trust God’s words and His intentions because they are rooted in His goodness. He sustains our lives with His mercy, from generation to generation.

© 2025 Lori Myers Berry

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