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Thoughyouhavenotseenhim,youlovehim.Thoughyoudonotnowseehim,youbelieveinhimandrejoice
withjoythatisinexpressibleandfilledwithglory,obtainingtheoutcomeofyourfaith,thesalvationofyour
souls.Concerningthissalvation,theprophetswhoprophesiedaboutthegracethatwastobeyourssearched
andinquiredcarefully,inquiringwhatpersonortimetheSpiritofChristinthemwasindicatingwhenhe
predictedthesufferingsofChristandthesubsequentglories.Itwasrevealedtothemthattheywereserving
notthemselvesbutyou,inthethingsthathavenowbeenannouncedtoyouthroughthosewhopreachedthe
goodnewstoyoubytheHolySpiritsentfromheaven,thingsintowhichangelslongtolook.Therefore,
preparingyourmindsforaction,andbeingsober-minded,setyourhopefullyonthegracethatwillbebrought
toyouattherevelationofJesusChrist.1PETER1:8-13
INTRODUCTION
TheKingiscoming.JesusChristhascomeandwillcomeagain.ThisisthehopeoftheChurchwhomHe
purchasedwithHisblood.JesusâcomingistheeagerexpectationanddesireofHispeople.Itisourjoy
becauseHeisourtreasureandgreatestgood.ThisisthethemeofâAdvent,âformedfromaLatinword
meaningâcomingâorâarrival.âItâsthetraditionalcelebrationofthefirstadventofJesusinhumilityandthe
anxiousawaitingofHissecondadventinglory.Theseasonisatimeforrememberingandrejoicing,
watchingandwaiting.
HISTORYANDTRADITIONS
TheAdventseasonofficiallybeginsonthefourthSundaybeforeChristmasandcontinuesuntilChristmas
EveorDay.ThereareavarietyofwaystocelebratetheAdventseason,dependingontraditionand
background.ManypeopleuseanAdventcalendar,typicallymadeupof24âwindowsâcontaining
Scriptures,stories,poemsorgifts,tocountdownthedaysuntilChristmas.Aseachwindowisopenedand
thefinaldaydrawscloser,expectationincreases.ThisremindsusofthehopefulyetanxiouswaitingGodâs
peopleexperiencedastheylongedforthepromisedSaviortocome.
AnotherpopulartraditionismarkingtheprogressionoftheseasonthroughanAdventwreathmadeupof
fivecandles.ThissymbolisborrowedfromtheemphasisthroughoutScriptureofJesusChristbeingthe
LightoftheWorld(Matt.4:16;John1:4-9;8:12).EachweekanewcandleislitinanticipationofChristmas
Eve.Thelastcandle,calledtheChristCandle,islitonChristmasEvetorepresentJesusâfirstadvent.
Throughthisthemeofever-increasinglightpenetratingthedarkness,weseeapictureofthegospel.
Regardlessofthetradition,Adventisasignificanttimeinthelifeofthechurch.Itâsanopportunityfor
believerstorememberGodâspromisetosendOnewhowouldovercomesinanddeathforever.God
promisedaSavior,andHekeptthatpromiseperfectly.
USINGTHEGUIDE
Thisguidecontainsfiveweeksofmaterial,withbothastudytocompleteonyourownaswellasaplanto
helpfamiliestalkabouttheAdventnarrativetogether.Thefamilyportionsaredesignedtoworkforfamilies
ofallshapesandsizesanddonotrequireextensivepreparation.Eitherportionoftheguidecanalsobe
usedtofacilitatediscussionwithfriends,roommatesorothercommunity.
TheAdventstudywalksthroughthenarrativeofJesusâbirth.ItbeginsintheGardenwithGodâspromiseof
aSaviorandendswithaneageranticipationofJesusâpromisedreturn.Inthemiddle,GodshowsHis
unmistakablefaithfulnessinsendingthepromisedRescuer.WeseeHisloveforthelowlyandoutcastasHe
proclaimsthenewsofHisSontotheshepherds.WemarvelatHishearttoseeallnationscomeandworship
HisSonthroughtheMagiâsjourney.
EvenifyouknowtheAdventnarrativewell,donâtrushpastwhatGodhasforyouinthisseason.Formany,
thismaybethefirsttimetoconsiderallthatGodissayingthroughthebirthofHisSon.Forothers,itwillbe
anopportunitytorediscoverthewayGodintimatelyworksinthedetailsoflifeforHisgloryandthegoodof
man.Forallofus,maythisseasonbeonemarkedbyhope,expectation,remembranceandworship.The
Kinghascomeandiscoming!Thereismuchtocelebrate.
ANOTEFORFAMILIES
AdventisanopportunitytopauseandreflectonthebirthofJesus.Butespeciallyforfamilies,thistimeof
yearcanbefilledtothebrimwithactivitiesandobligations.Beforethecalendarbeginstooverflow,set
asideafewminutestoconsiderwhatyouwantthisseasontobeforyourfamily.Thenmakeaplansothata
timeintendedtorememberandcelebratedoesnâtgetswallowedupbylesserthings.
Tohelptowardthatend,wehaveprovidedafamilyportioneachweekthatwillhelpyoucreateintentional
timetotalkaboutJesus.IfyouchoosetousetheAdventwreathastheguidesuggests,putitinaspecial,
visibleplaceinthehousetoserveasareminderofJesusâcoming.Thereisalsoasongeachweekforyour
familytosingorlistentotogether.ThesesongsareavailableonourAdventplaylistpostedtoSpotify.
Wewrotethefamilyportionsoftheguidewithpreschoolandelementary-agedchildreninmind.Ifyou
haveolderchildren,considerhavingeachpersonworkthroughtheâPersonalStudyâsectioninplaceof
readingthefamilycommentary,andthencometogethertotalkaboutwhatyoulearned.
Iwillputenmitybetweenyouandthewoman,andbetweenyouroffspringandheroffspring;heshallbruiseyourhead,andyoushallbruisehisheel.
GENESIS3:15
Buttherewillbenogloomforherwhowasinanguish.IntheformertimehebroughtintocontemptthelandofZebulunandthelandofNaphtali,butinthelattertimehehasmadegloriousthewayofthe
sea,thelandbeyondtheJordan,Galileeofthenations.Thepeoplewhowalkedindarknesshaveseenagreatlight;
thosewhodweltinalandofdeepdarkness,onthemhaslightshone.Youhavemultipliedthenation;youhaveincreaseditsjoy;
theyrejoicebeforeyouaswithjoyattheharvest,astheyaregladwhentheydividethespoil.Fortheyokeofhisburden,andthestaffforhisshoulder,
therodofhisoppressor,youhavebrokenasonthedayofMidian.Foreverybootofthetrampingwarriorinbattletumultandeverygarmentrolledinbloodwillbe
burnedasfuelforthefire.Fortousachildisborn,tousasonisgiven;andthegovernmentshallbeuponhisshoulder,
andhisnameshallbecalledWonderfulCounselor,MightyGod,EverlastingFather,PrinceofPeace.Oftheincreaseofhisgovernmentandofpeacetherewillbenoend,
onthethroneofDavidandoverhiskingdom,toestablishitandtoupholditwithjusticeandwithrighteousnessfromthistimeforthandforevermore.
ThezealoftheLORDofhostswilldothis.ISAIAH9:1-7
Thinkofatimewhenyouwereintroubleandneededtoberescued.Howdidyoufeelinthatsituation?Whomdidyoulooktoforhelp?
Week#1ThePromiseofaSavior
PersonalStudy(November27-December3)
AdventintheBeginningManyofusgrewupwiththestoryofAdventbeginninginastable.But,thestorybeginsinaGarden.WhenGodcreatedtheworld,allthingswerejustastheyshouldbe.CreationfunctionedinperfectorderaccordingtoGodâsbeautifuldesign.ManwalkedinunbrokenrelationshipwithGod,fullyknownandunafraid.Butinaninstant,allthatchangedasAdamandEvedisobeyedGodâsgoodinstruction.Theytookofthefruitandate,andsinenteredtheworld.Fellowshipbroken.Peaceshattered.Creationthrownintochaos.Darkness,depravity,fear,shameandselfishnessfloodedthehumanheart,separatingmanfromGod.Thesituationwasdire.Butrightthen,amidthedarkness,Godspokeawordofhope:aSaviorwouldcome,bornofawoman,todefeattheenemyanddeliverGodâspeople.ScholarsrefertoGenesis3:15astheprotoeuangelionortheâfirstgospel.âFromthefirstmomentofourneedforrescue,Godâspromisewasthere.BeforeHeaddressedAdamandEve,Godturnedtotheserpentandannouncedthatsinwouldnothavethefinalsayandthattheschemesoftheenemywouldnotprevail.Shadows,HintsandWhispersofHisComingThroughouttheOldTestament,GodspoketoHispeopleaboutthispromiseandgavethemthingstowatchforinordertorecognizetheSaviorâscoming.GodrevealedthattheMessiahwouldbeborninthelineofDavid(Isa.9:6-7),ofthetribeofJudah(Gen.49:10)andinthetownofBethlehem(Mic.5:2).HewouldbeaManofSorrowsâcrushed,despisedandrejectedâjustifyingmanythroughwhatHesuffered(Isa.53).ThepromisedDelivererwouldbealightovercomingdarkness(Isa.9:2),aPreacherofGoodNewstothepoor(Isa.61)andOnewalkinginthepoweroftheSpirit(Isa.42:1).TherewerehintsandshadowsofHimeverywhere.GodalsoremindedHispeoplenottoloseheartastheywaitedfortheSaviortocome.ItâsimportanttorememberthatGoddidnotfulfillHispromiserightaway.Hispeoplewaitedalongtime.TheyspokeofthepromisedRescuerfromgenerationtogeneration,enduringcyclesofwar,rebellion,captivityandrestoration.Theywatchedandwaitedâanxiously,expectantlyâforGodâsfaithfulness.Wecanallidentifywithfeelinghopeless,helplessandindesperateneedofrescue,especiallywhenitcomestotheweightofsin.Heavyandinescapable,weknowitseffectswitheverybreathâbothourownsinandthatofothers.Ourworldisfullofevidencethatsomethingiswrongandneedstobemaderight.ThereasonwecelebrateAdventisbecausethestoryoftheGardendoesnâtendwithmanâsrebellionâbutinsteadhisredemption.
ReflectionConsiderthewayGodusedMosestodeliverHispeoplefrombondageinEgypt(Ex.12-14).WasthereanywayfortheIsraelitestoescapetheirslaveryapartfromGodâsprovisionandpower?Howissinanevenharsher,moreoppressivemasterthanPharaoh?Whatisouronlyhopeofdeliverance?ThinkaboutIsraelâslongwaitforthepromisedSaviortocome.HowdoyouthinkGodâspeoplefoughtagainstdoubt,discouragementandthetemptationtobelieveGodforgotthem?Godoftengivesusseasonsofwaitingtosiftandstrengthenourfaith.Ifyouareinaseasonofwaiting,whatmighttheLordbeteachingyou?GodrevealsmanythingsaboutHisnatureandcharacterthroughthebirthofHisSon.WhatattributesofGoddoyouseeinthispartoftheAdventnarrative?ResponseWhatisonehopeyouhaveforyourself,yourfamilyoryourcommunityasyoubegintheAdventseason?Howwillyoumakethatareality?Prayforyourselfandthosearoundyou,askingGodtoopenyoureyesandhearttowhatHehasforyouthisAdventseason.SongsoftheSeasonOCome,OComeEmmanuelCome,ThouLongExpectedJesus
SetasidetenminutesonenightthisweektotalkaboutGodâspromisetorescueHischildrenfromsin.Theonlymaterialsneededarefivecandles,matchesandaBible.LightingoftheAdventCandleHaveonememberofthefamilylightthefirstcandle.ScriptureReadingHaveonepersonreadthefollowingpassagesoutloud.Beforetheyleftthegarden,GodwhisperedapromisetoAdamandEve:âItwillnotalwaysbeso!Iwillcometorescueyou!AndwhenIdo,Iâmgoingtodobattleagainstthesnake.Iâllgetridofthesinandthedarkandthesadnessyouletinhere.Iâmcomingbackforyou!âAndhewould.Oneday,Godhimselfwouldcome.Fortousachildisborn,tousasonisgiven;andthegovernmentshallbeuponhisshoulder,andhisnameshallbecalledWonderfulCounselor,MightyGod,EverlastingFather,PrinceofPeace.ISAIAH9:6ReflectionBrieflytalkaboutwhatitmeanstoberescuedfromsomething.Whenmightyouneedtobesavedfromdanger?Whomwouldyoucallupontorescueyou?Forexample,iftherewereafire,whomwouldyoucalltosaveyou?Whatarerescuerstypicallylike?Haveanadultreadthecommentarybelow.Intheverybeginning,Godcreatedaperfectworld.Therewasnosin,pain,sickness,deathorsadness.GodcreatedAdamandEvetoliveinHisperfectworldwithjoyandpeace.ButAdamandEvesinned.TheydisobeyedGod.Whentheysinned,Godâsperfectworldbroke.
Week#1FamilyDiscipleshipTime
(November27-December3)
TherewasapunishmentforAdamandEveâssin.BecauseGodisperfect,Hecannotbenearsin.SoAdamandEvewereseparatedfromGod.ThepunishmentfortheirsinwouldalsobeplacedonallhumanswhowerebornafterAdamandEve.Ask:BecauseAdamandEvedisobeyedGod,eachofusneedstoberescuedfromsomething.Whatdoweneedrescuefrom?ButbeforeAdamandEveleftGodâsperfectGarden,Godmadeapromise.GodpromisedtosendaRescuer,someonetosaveAdam,Eveandmankindfromthepunishmentofsin.HepromisedtosendJesus!GoddidnotsendJesustorescueHispeoplerightaway.GodwaitedthousandsofyearstosendtheRescuer.Duringthattime,Godâspeoplefacedmanyhardthings.Whiletheywaited,GodgavethemhintsandcluesabouthowJesuswouldcome,whatHewoulddoandwhatHewouldbelike.Thesehints,writteninScripturesbyprophets,wouldhelpGodâspeoplewait.TheversefromIsaiahthatwereadtogetherafterlightingtheAdventcandlewaswrittenwhileGodâspeoplewaitedthosethousandsofyearsfortheSavior.Duringthattime,GodmadeotherpromisestoHischildrenandkeptthosepromises.EachtimeGodmadeandkeptapromise,ithelpedHischildrentrustthatHewouldbefaithfultoHispromisetosendJesustorescuethemfromtheirsins.Ask:WhatdoyouthinkitfeltlikeforGodâspeopletowaitforthepromisedRescuertocome?Somedays,Godâschildrenwaitedpatiently.Somedays,theywaitedwithtearsandfrustration.Somedays,theywonderedifGodhadforgottenHispromise.ButGodcontinuedtowhisperitoverandoveragainasHischildrenwaited.Andoneday,whennoonewasexpectingit,Jesuswouldcome.GodshowsusmanythingsaboutwhatâsHeâslikethroughthebirthofJesus.HowdoyouseethatGodistheDeliverer,thatHerescuesHischildren,inthispartoftheAdventnarrative?WhatotherattributesofGoddoyousee?PrayerHaveonefamilymembersayaprayertothankGodforHisgoodnessandmercyinsendingJesustorescueusfromoursins.
SongAsafamily,singorlistentoâCome,ThouLongExpectedJesus.âAsyoudo,readcarefullythroughthelyricsandexplainanywordsthatmightbeunfamiliartoyourkids.AskthemwhattheylearnaboutJesusfromthissong.Come,ThoulongexpectedJesusBorntosetThypeoplefree;Fromourfearsandsinsreleaseus,LetusfindourrestinThee.IsraelâsStrengthandConsolation,HopeofalltheearthThouart;DearDesireofeverynation,Joyofeverylongingheart.BornThypeopletodeliver,BornachildandyetaKing,Borntoreigninusforever,NowThygraciouskingdombring.ByThineowneternalSpiritRuleinallourheartsalone;ByThineallsufficientmerit,RaiseustoThygloriousthrone.FamilyActivityParents,makeplansforafunChristmasactivitynextweekthatyouknowyourchildrenwilllove.PerhapsitâsseeingaChristmasplayormovie,decoratingcookiestogetherorseeingChristmaslights.AttheendofyourfamilyAdventtime,promiseyourkidsthatyouaregoingtodosomethingspecialtogethertocelebrateAdventâsomethingtheywillloveâbutdonâttellthemwhatorwhen.Asthedaysgoby,remindthemofyourpromiseandgivethemhintsastowhatitmightbe.Lettheirexpectationandexcitementgrowthroughouttheweek.UsethisopportunitytoremindthemofGodâspromisetosendaRescuerandtheanticipationGodâspeoplefeltastheywaited.AdditionalActivitiesCreateanAdventwreathtousethroughouttheAdventseason.CreateanativityscenetousethroughouttheAdventseason.Ifyouwouldliketomakethisactivitylasttheentireseason,considercreatingjustthestable,animalsandMaryandJosephthisweek.
Butyou,OBethlehemEphrathah,whoaretoolittletobeamongtheclansofJudah,
fromyoushallcomeforthformeonewhoistoberulerinIsrael,whosecomingforthisfromofold,fromancientdays.
MICAH5:2InthosedaysadecreewentoutfromCaesarAugustusthatalltheworldshouldberegistered.ThiswasthefirstregistrationwhenQuiriniuswasgovernorofSyria.Andallwenttoberegistered,eachtohisowntown.AndJosephalsowentupfromGalilee,fromthetownofNazareth,toJudea,tothecityofDavid,whichiscalledBethlehem,becausehewasofthehouseandlineageofDavid,toberegisteredwithMary,hisbetrothed,whowaswithchild.Andwhiletheywerethere,thetimecameforhertogivebirth.Andshegavebirthtoherfirstbornsonandwrappedhiminswaddlingclothsandlaidhimina
manger,becausetherewasnoplaceforthemintheinn.LUKE2:1-7
Describeatimewhenyoulookedforwardtoaneventforalongtime.Whatemotionsdidyoufeelasyouwaited?Howdidyoufeelwhenthewaitwasfinallyover?
Week#2ThePromiseFulfilled
PersonalStudy(December4â10)
HeCameJustasHeSaidHeWouldThroughouttheOldTestament,theprophetsspokeofthepromisedSavior,tellingthepeoplehowtorecognizeHiscomingandremindingthemthatGodhadnotforgotten.TheMessiahwouldbeborninBethlehem,theSonofavirgin,aKingtoruleaccordingtothelineageofDavid,usheringinaneraofunprecedentedpeace.Israelwatchedandwaited,filledwithlongingandexpectationforthispromisedDeliverer.Andthen,onanightunassumingandnormal,GodcameâjustasHesaidHewould.AyoungwomannamedMary,whowaswithchild,journeyedalongsideJoseph,herbetrothed,fromNazarethtoBethlehemtobecountedforthecensusaccordingtoCaesarâsdecree.ThecoupleenteredthesleepyJudeantown,filledtothebrimwiththedescendantsofDavid,andtookrefugeintheonlyplaceavailable:astable.Andwhenthefullnessoftimehadcome,Marygavebirthtoherfirstbornson.Hewaswrappedincloths,laidinamangerandgiventhenameJesusbecauseHewouldsaveHispeoplefromtheirsins.Andjustlikethat,awhisperintheBethlehemnight,aChildwasborn,aSonwasgiven.Fourhundredandfiftyyearsofsilencehadpassedsincethefinalwordsoftheprophets.Atlonglast,acryofdeliverancewasheardagain,utteredfromthelipsoftheWordMadeFlesh.Thisnewbornâscrypiercedthemidnightskylikeatrumpetheraldingsinâsdemiseandthedefeatofdeathforeverforallwhowouldbelieve.TheAncientofDayssteppedintotimeandwrappedHimselfinthefrailtyofhumanskin.Hecame,fullofpity,compassionandpower,torescuethoselostindarknessandcarrythemintothekingdomofeverlastinglight.Hecame,justasHesaidHewould,todowhatwenevercould.Withhindsight,weseeinJesusthefulfillmentofallthattheprophetsspokeconcerningtheMessiah.WeunderstandthatourLordhasdonejustwhatHesaidHewoulddoinexactlytherightway,atexactlytherighttime.WealsoseethatGodisfullofcompassion.HesawthedesperateneedofHispeople.HecaredandactedbysendingHisonlySontosavethem.Mayourheartsbeencouraged!LetAdventbeatimetoreflectonGodâsgoodattributesandHisfaithfulnesstodoexactlywhatHesaidHewould.
ReflectionConsiderthepropheciesfromIsaiah9:1-7andMicah5:2.HowdoyouseethesefulfilledinJesusâbirth?ThinkaboutthecircumstancesthatledMaryandJosephtoBethlehem.WhatdotheyshowyouaboutGodâssovereignty?TheOldTestamentcontainsmanypropheciespointingnotjusttoJesusâbirthbutalsotothesalvationHewouldaccomplish.Lookupthepassagesbelowandseehowtheyillustratethistruth.OTProphecy NTFulfillmentGenesis3:15 Romans5:6-8;Galatians4:4-7;Colossians2:13-15Isaiah9:2 Matthew4:12-17;John1:4-5;12:46Isaiah53:10-11 Romans5:1-2Isaiah53:4 Matthew8:14-17Isaiah61:1-4 Luke4:16-21GodrevealsmanythingsaboutHisnatureandcharacterthroughthebirthofHisSon.WhatattributesofGoddoyouseeinthispartoftheAdventnarrative?ResponseAsyoumakeyourlistofpeopletobuygiftsfor,includesomeonewhowouldneverexpecttoreceiveagiftfromyou.ThinkofthedelightyoufeelinblessingthemandconsidertheloveinGodâsheartasHesentHisSontodieforsinners.Inprayer,thankGodforHisgoodnessinsendingaSavior.ConfessplaceswhereyourconfidenceinHisfaithfulnessisweakandaskHimforincreasedtrust,beliefandhope.SongsoftheSeasonOHolyNightSilentNightGodRestYeMerryGentlemen
SetasidetenminutesonenightthisweektotalkaboutGodâsmercyinsendingaSavior.Theonlymaterialsneededarefivecandles,matchesandaBible.LightingoftheAdventCandleHaveonememberofthefamilylightlastweekâscandleandasecondcandle.ScriptureReadingHaveonepersonreadthefollowingpassagesoutloud.Andallwenttoberegistered,eachtohisowntown.AndJosephalsowentupfromGalilee,fromthetownofNazareth,toJudea,tothecityofDavid,whichiscalledBethlehem,becausehewasofthehouseandlineageofDavid,toberegisteredwithMary,hisbetrothed,whowaswithchild.Andwhiletheywerethere,thetimecameforhertogivebirth.Andshegavebirthtoherfirstbornsonandwrappedhiminswaddlingclothsandlaidhiminamanger,becausetherewasnoplaceforthemintheinn.LUKE2:3-7Andthere,inthestable,amongstthechickensandthedonkeysandthecows,inthequietofthenight,Godgavetheworldhiswonderfulgift.Thebabythatwouldchangetheworldwasborn.Hisbabyson.THEJESUSSTORYBOOKBIBLEReflectionHaveanadultreadthecommentarybelow.Doyourememberthepromisewetalkedaboutlastweek?GodâspromisetosendaRescuer?HispromisetosendJesus?Well,Jesuscame,justlikeGodsaidHewould!
Week#2FamilyDiscipleshipTime
(December4â10)
Afterthousandsofyearsofwaiting,onanordinarynight,Jesuscame.GodgaveHispeoplehintsandcluesabouthowJesuswouldcome.HetoldthemthatJesuswouldcomefromBethlehem,beaRulerandbringpeace.Manyexpectedasoldier;someexpectedapolitician.Nooneexpectedababy.ButthatâshowJesuscame.Ask:IfyouhadbeenanIsraelite,howwouldyouhaveexpectedthepromisedSaviortocome?MaryandJosephlivedinatowncalledNazareth.Oneday,thekinggaveanorderthateveryonewastogobacktotheirhometowntobecountedforsomethingcalledacensus.MaryandJosephtraveledalongwaytothetownofBethlehem,whereJosephâsfamilywasfrom.WhentheygottoBethlehem,thetownwasfullofothertravelers,andtherewasnowhereforMaryandJosephtostay.Sotheyfoundastabletosleepin.Whiletheywerethere,thetimecameforMarytohaveherbaby,andJesus,theSavior,wasborn.Ask:HowdoyouthinkJosephandMaryfeltwhentheyfinallygottoBethlehemandrealizedtheyhadnowheretostay?DoyouthinkGodknewthattheyfeltthisway?Jesus,theKingofheaven,leftHisperfecthometobebornababytoayoungmanandwoman.Hebecamefragileandhelpless.Hisroomthatnightwasastableâdirty,smellyandfullofnoisyanimals.Hisbedwasnotkinglyandluxurious;itwasafeedboxthatanimalsateoutof.Maryhadtowipeold,rottenfoodoutofthemangerandcoveritwithpokystrawbeforeshelaidhertinybabyinit.Ask:IsastabletheplaceyouwouldexpecttheSaviortobeborn?WhydoyouthinkGoddecidedforHisoneandonlySontobebornthere?ButeverythingthathappenedthatnightwasexactlywhatGodhadplannedandpromised.Jesuscame,justlikeGodsaidHewould.Godsawthatweneededtoberescuedfromsin.Hecaredaboutusinourneed,andHeacted.HesentJesus.Theeventsofthatnight,inthatstableinthelittletownofBethlehem,wouldchangetheworldforever.GodshowsusmanythingsaboutwhatâsHeâslikeinthebirthofJesus.HowdoyouseethatGodiscompassionateâthatHesees,caresandactswhenHischildrenareinneedâinthispartoftheAdventnarrative?WhatotherattributesofGoddoyousee?PrayerHaveonefamilymembersayaprayertothankGodforsendingJesustobebornasababywhowouldsaveusfromoursins.
SongAsafamily,singorlistentoâAwayinaManger.âAsyoudo,readcarefullythroughthelyricsandexplainanywordsthatmightbeunfamiliartoyourkids.AskthemwhattheylearnaboutJesusfromthissong.Awayinamanger,nocribforabedThelittleLordJesuslaiddownHissweethead.ThestarsintheskylookeddownwhereHelay,ThelittleLordJesus,asleeponthehay.FamilyActivityThisweek,keepthepromiseyoumadetoyourfamilyduringlastweekâsfamilyAdventtime.Talkabouthowyoufulfilledthehintsandcluesyougavethem.Discusstheexperienceofwaiting:Whatwasitliketowait?Whatwasitliketofinallyexperiencewhatyouhadbeenwaitingandhopingfor?RemembertogetherGodâsfaithfulnessinsendingaSavior.IthappenedjustasHesaiditwould.AdditionalActivitiesContinuemakingyournativityset.Thisweek,createthebabyJesuspieceandaddittotheset.CreateasetofornamentsthatshowtheOldTestamentpropheciesofJesusâbirthandtheirfulfillmentsintheNewTestament.CreateanativitysceneoutofLegos.UseasockandstuffingtocreateababyJesusdoll,wrappedinfabricscraps.Makeamangerforthedolloutofapapersack.LetyourpreschoolercareforbabyJesusandhavehim/heruseittoretellJesusâbirthstorythroughouttheweek.
Andinthesameregiontherewereshepherdsoutinthefield,keepingwatchovertheirflockbynight.AndanangeloftheLordappearedtothem,andthegloryoftheLordshonearoundthem,andthey
werefilledwithgreatfear.Andtheangelsaidtothem,âFearnot,forbehold,Ibringyougoodnewsofgreatjoythatwillbeforallthepeople.ForuntoyouisbornthisdayinthecityofDavidaSavior,whoisChristtheLord.Andthiswillbeasignforyou:youwillfindababywrappedinswaddlingclothsand
lyinginamanger.âAndsuddenlytherewaswiththeangelamultitudeoftheheavenlyhostpraisingGodandsaying,
âGlorytoGodinthehighest,
andonearthpeaceamongthosewithwhomheispleased!â
Whentheangelswentawayfromthemintoheaven,theshepherdssaidtooneanother,âLetusgoovertoBethlehemandseethisthingthathashappened,whichtheLordhasmadeknowntous.âAndtheywentwithhasteandfoundMaryandJoseph,andthebabylyinginamanger.Andwhentheysawit,theymadeknownthesayingthathadbeentoldthemconcerningthischild.Andallwhoheardit
wonderedatwhattheshepherdstoldthem.ButMarytreasuredupallthesethings,ponderingtheminherheart.Andtheshepherdsreturned,glorifyingandpraisingGodforalltheyhadheardandseen,asit
hadbeentoldthem.LUKE2:8-20
Howthenwilltheycallonhiminwhomtheyhavenotbelieved?Andhowaretheytobelieveinhimofwhomtheyhaveneverheard?Andhowaretheytohearwithoutsomeonepreaching?Andhowaretheytopreachunlesstheyaresent?Asitiswritten,âHowbeautifularethefeetofthosewhopreach
thegoodnews!âROMANS10:14-15
Whoisthefirstpersonyoutellwhenyouhearorexperiencesomethinggood?
Week#3ThePromiseAnnounced
PersonalStudy(December11â17)
TellofHisComingWelovehearinggoodnews,especiallywhenweârethefirsttoknow.Thereâsabigdifferencebetweengettingaphonecallfromyourbestfriendabouttheirpregnancy,engagementornewjobandfindingoutaboutitonFacebook.Wecherishbeinginvitedtoparticipateinthelivesofthepeopleweloveinsteadofsimplybeingspectators.Today,theabilitytoshareexcitingnewswithothersisquickandeasy.Withonetweet,post,hashtagorgrouptext,wecancommunicatewiththemasses.ButthingswereobviouslyverydifferentinthetimeJesuswasborn.Whensomethingimportanthappened,suchasthebirthofachild,heraldsoftenspreadthatnews.Familieswelcomingnewbabies,iftheyhadthemeanstodoso,wouldhiresomeonetogothroughoutthecommunityandannouncetheirhappynews.MaryandJoseph,ofhumblemeans,didnothavetheabilitytodothis.ButGodHimselfprovidedacompanyofheavenlyheraldstoproclaimthebirthofHisoneandonlySon.Imaginethescene:shepherdsonthemidnightwatch,earsandeyesopenforsignsofdanger,sheepbleatinginthebackground.Andthen,outofnowhere,anangeloftheLordburstsontothescenewiththenewsoftheSaviorâsbirth.ItisamazingthatGodchosethisgroupofmenasthefirsttohearthegoodnews.InthetimeofJesusâbirth,peopleregardedshepherdsasliarsandthieves.Becausetheywerenomadic,movingfromplacetoplacetograzetheirflocks,peopledidnâtreadilytrustthem.YetitwastomensuchasthisthatGodannouncedtheMessiahâscoming.Hetoldthemfirst!Notroyalty,notthereligiousleadersoftheday,butshepherdsâlowlyandinsignificant.HeinvitedthemintoHisstoryandthenmobilizedthemastheveryfirstevangelists.AssoonastheyheardnewsofJesusâbirth,theshepherdsfeltcompelledtoact.Theywentwithhaste,leavingtheirflocksbehind,tofindMary,JosephandtheSaviorChildlyinginamanger.AndoncetheybeheldtheOnethroughwhomsalvationwouldcome,theyspreadthewordofallthathadtakenplace.Wearelikethesemenâunlikelyrecipientsofanunbelievablereality.JustasGodcalledtheshepherdstowitnessandtestifytoChristâsbirth,sowearecalledtoheraldthesavingworkofHisdeathandresurrection.Asbelievers,wehavebeeninvitedintoHisstory,sentoutasheraldsofbothJesusâfirstcomingandHissecond.Asweconsidertheshepherds,letusrespondastheydidtothisgoodnewsofgreatjoyâwithamazement,beliefandaction.ReflectionHowdidyoufirsthearthegospel?Whotoldyou,andhowdidyourespond?GoddoesnotneedmessengerstocommunicateHisgospel.WhydoyouthinkHechargedtheshepherdswithsharingthegoodnewsofJesusâbirth?WhydoyouthinkHechargesuswithsharingthegoodnewsofsalvation?
DidsharingthenewsofJesusâbirthfeellikeaburdenorajoytotheshepherds?Why?Howdoyoufeelaboutsharingthegospel?Whatmighthelpyouconsistentlyviewitasajoyfulcalling?WhatfearskeepyoufromsharingthenewsthatJesushascometosavesinners?LookupColossians1:3-6.Howmighttheassuranceinthispassageincreaseyourboldness?Throughtheproclamationoftheangels,GodshowedHisgreatnessandworthtotheshepherds.WhendoyourememberfirstsensingthebeautyofGodâsglory?GodrevealsmanythingsaboutHisnatureandcharacterthroughthebirthofHisSon.WhatattributesofGoddoyouseeinthispartoftheAdventnarrative?ResponseWritealettertosomeonewhowasinstrumentalinyourcomingtofaith.Whetherornotyoucanactuallysendthemthatletter,communicatehowtheLordusedthemtochangeyourheartandlife.Inprayer,praiseGodforlovingtheweak,despisedandlowlyandshowingthemHisglory.ThankHimforthepersonormeansHeusedtosharethegospelwithyou,andaskHimfortheboldnessandfaithtodothesame.SongsoftheSeasonHark!TheHeraldAngelsSingAngelsWeHaveHeardonHighWhileShepherdsKeptTheirWatchbyNightComeYeLofty,ComeYeLowly
SetasidetenminutesonenightthisweektotalkabouthowGodshowedHisglorytotheshepherdsonthenightJesuswasborn.Theonlymaterialsneededarefivecandles,matchesandaBible.LightingoftheAdventCandleHaveonememberofthefamilylightthecandlesfromthefirsttwoweeksandathirdcandle.ScriptureReadingHaveonepersonreadthefollowingpassagesoutloud.Andinthesameregiontherewereshepherdsoutinthefield,keepingwatchovertheirflockbynight.AndanangeloftheLordappearedtothem,andthegloryoftheLordshonearoundthem,andtheywerefilledwithgreatfear.Andtheangelsaidtothem,âFearnot,forbehold,Ibringyougoodnewsofgreatjoythatwillbeforallthepeople.ForuntoyouisbornthisdayinthecityofDavidaSavior,whoisChristtheLord.Andthiswillbeasignforyou:youwillfindababywrappedinswaddlingclothsandlyinginamanger.âLUKE2:8-12Behindtheangeltheysawastrangeglowingcloudâexceptitwasnâtacloud,itwasangels...troopsandtroopsofangels,armedwithlight!Andtheyweresingingabeautifulsong:âGlorytoGod!ToGodbeFameandHonorandallourHoorays!âTHEJESUSSTORYBOOKBIBLEWhentheangelswentawayfromthemintoheaven,theshepherdssaidtooneanother,âLetusgoovertoBethlehemandseethisthingthathashappened,whichtheLordhasmadeknowntous.âAndtheywentwithhasteandfoundMaryandJoseph,andthebabylyinginamanger.Andwhentheysawit,theymadeknownthesayingthathadbeentoldthemconcerningthischild.LUKE2:15-17
Week#3FamilyDiscipleshipTime
(December11â17)
ReflectionHaveanadultreadthecommentarybelow.AsMaryandJosephheldtheirnewbornSonduringthoselatehoursofthenight,GodbeganspreadingthewonderfulnewsofJesusâbirth.AndHebeganwithanunusualgroupofpeople.Ask:WhomwouldyouexpectGodtotellfirstthatthepromisedRescuerhadcome?Kings,queensandreligiousleaderswerenotthefirstpeopletohearaboutthebirthofJesus.Instead,GodtoldthemostunimportantofpeopleHisgoodnewsfirst.Backinthosedays,peoplelookeddownonshepherdsandevenhatedthem.Mostpeopleconsideredthemcriminals,thievesandliars.YetthesewerethefirstpeopletohearthattheRescuerhadcome.Andthewaytheyheardthatgoodnewswasnothingshortofamazing.WhiletheshepherdswatchedtheirsheepinafieldoutsideofBethlehem,anangelappeared.TheBibletellsusthattheshepherdswerefilledwithgreatfear.Thisangelthatappearedtothemwasnobabywithwingsandaharpsittingonacloud,likesomestoriesmightdescribe.No,thisangelwasawarrioroftheLord.AndheshonewiththegloryofGod.Thebrightradianceofheavenitselfinterruptedthedeepdarknessofthenight.ItwasasifGodpeeledbackthecurtainofheavenandgavetheshepherdsasmallglimpseofHimself.Ask:HowdoyouthinktheshepherdsreactedwhentheysawtheangeloftheLord?Theangeltoldtheshepherdsnottobeafraid.GoddidwhatHehadpromisedâHesentJesustorescueGodâspeoplefromtheirsins.GodwasmakingpeacebetweenHimselfandsinnersthroughJesus.UpontellingtheshepherdsthegoodnewsofJesusâbirthandhowtofindHim,theangelwasjoinedbythousandsofotherangelswhobegansingingaboutthegreatnessofGod.Thatdark,quietnightskywasfilledwithabeautiful,blindinglightandroaringsongthatlefttheshepherdsforeverchanged.Oncetheyhadheardthenews,theshepherdsweredesperatetogoandfindJesusandseethemarvelousthingthatGodhaddone.Ask:Whatisthegreatestnewssomeonehaseversharedwithyou?Whatdidyouwanttodoinresponse?SotheshepherdsabandonedtheirsheepandracedtoBethlehem.OncetheysawbabyJesusthereinthemanger,theyleftthestableandbegantellingeveryonetheysawthegoodnewsthattheSaviorhadcome.GodusedthisgroupofmenâmeneveryonedespisedâtotelltheworldthatJesushadcome.AsJesuswoulddothroughoutHislife,Godwascomingtosinnerstoshowthemthewaytosalvation.Ask:Howcanwebeliketheshepherds?Asafamily,whomcanwetellthatJesuscametosavesinners?
GodshowsusmanythingsaboutwhatâsHeâslikethroughthebirthofJesus.HowdoyouseethatGodisgloriousâthatHeshowsHisgreatnessandworthâinthispartoftheAdventnarrative?WhatotherattributesofGoddoyousee?PrayerHaveonefamilymembersayaprayertothankGodforsendingangelstosharethegoodnewsofJesusâbirthtosinnersjustlikeus.SongAsafamily,singorlistentoâHark!TheHeraldAngelsSing.âAsyoudo,readcarefullythroughthelyricsandexplainanywordsthatmightbeunfamiliartoyourkids.AskthemwhattheylearnaboutJesusfromthissong.Hark!theheraldangelssing,âGlorytothenewbornKing!âPeaceonearth,andmercymild,Godandsinnersreconciled.Joyful,allyenations,rise,Jointhetriumphoftheskies;Withthâangelichostproclaim,âChristisborninBethlehem.âHark!theheraldangelssing,âGlorytothenewbornKing!âChrist,byhighestheavânadored:Christ,theeverlastingLord;LateintimebeholdHimcome,Offspringofthefavoredone.Veilâdinflesh,theGodheadsee;Hail,thâincarnateDeity:Pleased,asman,withmentodwell,Jesus,ourEmmanuel!Hark!theheraldangelssing,âGlorytothenewbornKing!âHail!theheavânbornPrinceofPeace!Hail!theSonofRighteousness!LightandlifetoallHebrings,RisenwithhealinginHiswings.
MildHelaysHisgloryby,Bornthatmannomoremaydie:Borntoraisethesonsofearth,Borntogivethemsecondbirth.Hark!theheraldangelssing,âGlorytothenewbornKing!âFamilyActivityOnenightthisweek,gooutcarolingasafamily.Asyouvisithomesofneighbors,friendsandfamily,singsongsofpraiseaboutthebirthandsalvationofJesus.ItmightbeeasiesttostartatthehomeofsomeoneyouknowwholovesJesusasyoudo.SingpraisestoGodandinvitethemtojoinyouatthenexthouse.MakesureyouvisitatleastonehomeofpeoplewhodonotloveandtrustJesus.JustlikeGodshowedgraceandlovetothelowliestofsinners,sharethegoodnewsofJesusâbirthwithsomeonewhodoesnotknowGod.MaybethatpersonwillhearthegoodnewsandwillbelieveinJesus.AdditionalActivitiesContinuemakingyournativityset.Thisweek,createtheshepherdsandangelpiecesandaddthemtotheset.SpendtimeimaginingwhattheâgloryoftheLordâshiningdownontheshepherdswaslike.Drawwhatyouthinkitlookedlike.Orturnoffthelightsandrecreateitwithflashlights,candles,propsandloudsinging.Draworpaintwhatyouthinkthenightskymighthavelookedlikewhentheangelsappearedtotheshepherds.
NowafterJesuswasborninBethlehemofJudeainthedaysofHerodtheking,behold,wisemenfromtheeastcametoJerusalem,saying,âWhereishewhohasbeenbornkingoftheJews?Forwesawhisstarwhenitroseandhavecometoworshiphim.âWhenHerodthekingheardthis,hewastroubled,
andallJerusalemwithhim;andassemblingallthechiefpriestsandscribesofthepeople,heinquiredofthemwheretheChristwastobeborn.Theytoldhim,âInBethlehemofJudea,forsoitiswrittenbythe
prophet:
âAndyou,OBethlehem,inthelandofJudah,arebynomeansleastamongtherulersofJudah;forfromyoushallcomearulerwhowillshepherdmypeopleIsrael.ââ
ThenHerodsummonedthewisemensecretlyandascertainedfromthemwhattimethestarhad
appeared.AndhesentthemtoBethlehem,saying,âGoandsearchdiligentlyforthechild,andwhenyouhavefoundhim,bringmeword,thatItoomaycomeandworshiphim.â
Afterlisteningtotheking,theywentontheirway.Andbehold,thestarthattheyhadseenwhenitrosewentbeforethemuntilitcametorestovertheplacewherethechildwas.Whentheysawthestar,theyrejoicedexceedinglywithgreatjoy.AndgoingintothehousetheysawthechildwithMaryhismother,andtheyfelldownandworshipedhim.Then,openingtheirtreasures,theyofferedhimgifts,goldandfrankincenseandmyrrh.AndbeingwarnedinadreamnottoreturntoHerod,theydepartedtotheir
owncountrybyanotherway.MATTHEW2:1-12
Whatisthefarthestyouhaveevertraveledfromhome?Howdiditfeeltobeoutsideyournormalsetting?Whatmadeyouuncomfortable?Whatdidyoufindinterestingandnew?Howdidtheexperiencechangethewayyouunderstandtheworld?
Week#4ThePromiseforAllPeoples
PersonalStudy(December18â24)
ThePromiseforAllPeoplesMagiwerementrainedinastrology,dreaminterpretationandothermysteries.Theystudiedtheskyandknewthestarsandtheirsignificance.TheMagimentionedinMatthew2livedintheEast,probablynearPersia.Wedonotknowtheirexactidentityandorigin.WhatwedoknowisthattheywerenotJewsâtheywereGentiles.ItispossiblethatthesemenheardofthepromisedSaviorfromJewsresidingintheirlandduringtheBabyloniancaptivity.WhentheysawthestarsignifyingHisbirth,theylefttheirhomeforJerusalem,embarkingonajourneytofindthenewbornKingandworshipHim.AtleasttwothingsarestrikingabouttheeventsthatunfoldinMatthew2.ThefirstisthatthesemenwereGentiles.TheywerenotofIsrael,notdescendantsofAbraham.WhyshouldthebirthoftheMessiahmattertothem?ThesecondisthatGodwastheOnewhoannouncedthebirthofHisSontotheGentileworld.GodappointedastartoheraldthenewsofJesusâcoming.GodsetthatstarinthesightoftheseMagi.GodusedthatstartoleadthemtoHisSonsotheycouldworshipHimastherightfulKing.ThissceneintheAdventnarrativewhispersofanincrediblemercy:GodrevealsHisSonandextendssalvationtothenations.Menandwomenfromeverypeople,tribeandtonguewilltastethehoney-likesweetnessofJesusânameupontheirlips,confessingHimasLordandworshipingHimasKing.Jesusisworthy.OnlyHedeservestheglory,honorandpraiseofthenations.InthesamewayGodsetastarintheskytoleadtheMagitoJesus,HeplacesHischildrenintheirneighborhoods,workplaces,PTAmeetingsandlecturehallstodothesame.Youdonâthavetogooverseastoimpactthenations.Godbringsthemtoourdoorstepârefugees,internationalstudents,thoseinsearchofgreateropportunitiesandfreedom.Thenationsmayverywelllivenextdoor.BeingpartofGodâsglobalpurposesmaybeassimpleasreachingouttopeopleHehasplacedinyoureverydaylife.OryoumayindeedgototheendsoftheearthandhappilyheraldthegoodnewstothosewhohaveneverheardbecauseGodisworthyoftheirworship.Theworldisbig,andthegospelisnotanAmericanidea.Thegospelhasbeenproclaimedtoustoo;themercyofGodextendedtotheGentilesmeansthatmercyhasbeenextendedtous.ThestoryoftheMagistirsourheartstolookbeyondourfamiliarcomfortsandrememberthatitisourjoyfuldutytobringthatgospeltoallnationsforthegloryofGod.WewanttobeapartofwhatGodisdoingasHecontinuestodrawmen,womenandchildrenfromallnationstocomeandworshipHisSon.ReflectionLookupPsalm86:9.Whatpromisedoyouseeinthisverse?WhatreassurancedoesthestoryoftheMagigiveusaboutthespreadingofthegospel?Howshouldthestorychallengeusasthosewhoarecalledtotellthegoodnews?
WhatcommonreasonsdoChristiansgivefornotspreadingthegospeltoallnations?Areanyofthesereasonsvalid?HowisbeingcompelledbythegloryandworthofGodmorepowerfulthanbeingmotivatedbyguiltordutywhenitcomestoreachingthenations?LookupEphesians2:11-17.Inthispassage,whoareâthosewhowerefaroffâ?Arepeopleinforeigncountriesfartherofffromthegospelthanyouwerewhenyoufirstheardit?Explain.WhatistheprimarymeansGodusestomakedisciplesofallnations?Howcanyoutakeanactiveroleintakingthegospeltoallnationsintheupcomingyear?Listsomespecificideas.GodrevealsmanythingsaboutHisnatureandcharacterthroughthebirthofHisSon.WhatattributesofGoddoyouseeinthispartoftheAdventnarrative?ResponseThinkofsomeoneyouknowwhoisactivelyinvolvedinreachingthenationswiththegospel.Taketimethisweektoprayforthembynameandwritethemanencouragingemailorletter.Inthenextfewweeks,noticehowmanypeoplefromothernationalitiesyouseeintherhythmofyoureverydaylife.AsktheLordtogiveyoufaithandfavorinbuildingrelationshipsandsharingthegospel.SongsoftheSeasonJoytotheWorldOCome,AllYeFaithfulGo!TellitontheMountainWeThreeKings
SetasidetenminutesonenightthisweektotalkabouthowonlyGodisworthyofallglory.ConsidersittingoutsideasyoutalkaboutthejourneyoftheMagi,drawingparticularattentiontothestarsinthenightskyaboveyou.Theonlymaterialsneededarefivecandles,matchesandaBible.LightingoftheAdventCandleHaveonememberofthefamilylightthecandlesfromthefirstthreeweeksandafourthcandle.ScriptureReadingHaveonepersonreadthefollowingpassagesoutloud.NowafterJesuswasborninBethlehemofJudeainthedaysofHerodtheking,behold,wisemenfromtheeastcametoJerusalem,saying,âWhereishewhohasbeenbornkingoftheJews?Forwesawhisstarwhenitroseandhavecometoworshiphim.âMATTHEW2:1-2Thejourneythathadbegunsomanycenturiesbeforehadledthreewisemenhere.Toalittletown.Toalittlehouse.Toalittlechild.TothekingGodhadpromisedDavidallthoseyearsbefore.THEJESUSSTORYBOOKBIBLEAndgoingintothehousetheysawthechildwithMaryhismother,andtheyfelldownandworshipedhim.Then,openingtheirtreasures,theyofferedhimgifts,goldandfrankincenseandmyrrh.MATTHEW2:11-12ReflectionHaveanadultreadthecommentarybelow.ThefirstpeopleGodtoldaboutJesusâbirthweretheshepherds.HeusedaspectacularmassofangelstoshoutfromtheskiesthatJesushadcome.Buttheangelswerenotaloneinproclaimingthegoodnewsthatnight,andtheshepherdswerenottheonlypeopletolearnoftheRescuerâscoming.
Week#4FamilyDiscipleshipTime
(December18â23)
Thatsamenight,Godplacedaspecialstarinthesky,abrightbodyoflightthatannouncedthebirthoftheKing.Somemeninafarawaycountrysawthisstar.ThesemenwerecalledMagi.Theywereeducatedmenwhostudiedtheskiesandnature.MostscholarsbelievethesemencamefromPersia,ormodern-dayIran.Therewassomethingveryspecialaboutthesemen.ThroughouttheBible,GodpromisedtosendaRescuertosavetheIsraelitesfromtheirsins.ButtheseMagiwerenotIsraelites.TheywereGentiles.ThatmeanstheywerenotfromAbrahamâsfamilyandlikelydidnotknowandworshipGod.Butthatnight,Goddidsomethingthatnooneexpected.Byplacingthatstarinthesky,Godshowedunbelievablemercytowardallpeople.InshowingtheMagithatJesus,theKingofheaven,hadbeenborn,Godwasextendingsalvationtopeopleofallnations.WhentheMagisawthespecialstarthatGodhadplacedinthesky,theylefttheirhomecountrytofindJesus.Theirjourneytookalongtime.TheydidnotarriveinBethlehemthenightJesuswasborn.Infact,itmayhavetakenthemuptotwoyearstoreachtheplacewhereJesuswas.TheBibletellsusthatwhentheMagifoundtheplacewhereJesuswaslivingwithMaryandJoseph,theyenteredthehouse,boweddownandworshipedthissmallchildwhohadcometosavesinners.TheythengaveJesusprecious,costlygifts.Ask:WhydoyouthinktheMagiwerewillingtoleavetheirhomesandfamiliesandtravelforsuchalongtimetofindJesus?WhatdidtheyknowandbelieveaboutHim?WhydoyouthinktheybroughtbabyJesussuchspecial,expensivegifts?ThroughouttheAdventstory,weseethatGodisgenerous.HesentacompanyofangelstoshoutthegoodnewsofJesusâbirthtotheshepherds,andHeputaspecialstarintheskytoguidemenfromafarawaycountrytoJesus.Hedesiresthatallpeopleknow,love,trustandobeyHim.AndGodpromisesthatonedaymen,womenandchildrenfromeverytribe,tongueandnationwillworshipJesus.Godwillrescuepeoplefromallovertheworld,andwewillworshipHimasHedeserves.GodshowsusmanythingsaboutwhatHeâslikethroughthebirthofJesus.HowdoyouseethatGodisworthyâthatonlyHedeservesallgloryâinthispartoftheAdventnarrative?WhatotherattributesofGoddoyousee?PrayerHaveonefamilymembersayaprayertopraiseGodandaskHimtoshowpeopleofallnationsthegoodnewsthatJesuscametosavesinners.
SongAsafamily,singorlistentoâOComeAllYeFaithful.âAsyoudo,readcarefullythroughthelyricsandexplainanywordsthatmightbeunfamiliartoyourkids.AskthemwhattheylearnaboutJesusfromthissong.Ocomeallyefaithful,joyfulandtriumphantOcomeye,OcomeyetoBethlehem;ComeandbeholdHimborntheKingofangels;OcomeletusadoreHim,OcomeletusadoreHimOcomeletusadoreHim,ChristtheLord.Singchoirsofangels,singinexultationSingallyecitizensofheavenabove;GlorytoGodinthehighest:OcomeletusadoreHim,OcomeletusadoreHimOcomeletusadoreHim,ChristtheLord.Yea,Lord,wegreetThee,bornthishappymorning;Jesus,totheebeglorygiven;WordoftheFather,nowinfleshappearing:OcomeletusadoreHim,OcomeletusadoreHimOcomeletusadoreHim,ChristtheLord.FamilyActivitySpendtimethisweeklookingatamapoftheworld.Playagamewhereyounameacountryandyourkidstrytofindit.Talktogetheraboutwhatitwouldbeliketoliveinadifferentculturewithadifferentlanguageandcustoms.PointoutplacesintheworldwherepeoplearenâtfreetoopenlyworshipJesusortalkaboutHim.Looktogetheratthelistofmissionariesonourchurchwebsite.Pickonepersonorfamilyandprayforthembyname.Ifpossible,writethemanemailornoteofencouragement.AdditionalActivitiesContinuemakingyournativityset.Thisweek,createtheMagipiecesandaddthemtotheset.Createluminariesforyourfrontyard,sidewalkorporchtoremindyourfamilyofthestarGodputintheskytotelltheMagiofJesusâbirth.Takepaperlunchbagsanddraworpunchoutastaroneachbag.Fillthebottomofthebagswithsandtokeepthemfromblowingaway.Placeabattery-operatedcandleinside.
SetasidetenminutestotalkaboutGodâsfaithfulnessinsendingaSavior.Theonlymaterialsneededarefivecandles,matchesandaBible.LightingoftheAdventCandleHaveonepersonlightthecandlesfromthefirstfourweeks,rememberingtogetherwhatyouâvelearnedaboutGodâsfaithfulnessduringAdvent.AfterreadingLuke2:1-20,haveanotherpersonlightthefifthcandleâtheChristcandle.ScriptureReadingHaveonepersonreadthefollowingpassagesoutloud.InthosedaysadecreewentoutfromCaesarAugustusthatalltheworldshouldberegistered.ThiswasthefirstregistrationwhenQuiriniuswasgovernorofSyria.Andallwenttoberegistered,eachtohisowntown.AndJosephalsowentupfromGalilee,fromthetownofNazareth,toJudea,tothecityofDavid,whichiscalledBethlehem,becausehewasofthehouseandlineageofDavid,toberegisteredwithMary,hisbetrothed,whowaswithchild.Andwhiletheywerethere,thetimecameforhertogivebirth.Andshegavebirthtoherfirstbornsonandwrappedhiminswaddlingclothsandlaidhiminamanger,becausetherewasnoplaceforthemintheinn.Andinthesameregiontherewereshepherdsoutinthefield,keepingwatchovertheirflockbynight.AndanangeloftheLordappearedtothem,andthegloryoftheLordshonearoundthem,andtheywerefilledwithgreatfear.Andtheangelsaidtothem,âFearnot,forbehold,Ibringyougoodnewsofgreatjoythatwillbeforallthepeople.ForuntoyouisbornthisdayinthecityofDavidaSavior,whoisChristtheLord.Andthiswillbeasignforyou:youwillfindababywrappedinswaddlingclothsandlyinginamanger.âAndsuddenlytherewaswiththeangelamultitudeoftheheavenlyhostpraisingGodandsaying,âGlorytoGodinthehighest,andonearthpeaceamongthosewithwhomheispleased!â
ChristmasEveFamilyDiscipleshipTime
(December24)
Whentheangelswentawayfromthemintoheaven,theshepherdssaidtooneanother,âLetusgoovertoBethlehemandseethisthingthathashappened,whichtheLordhasmadeknowntous.âAndtheywentwithhasteandfoundMaryandJoseph,andthebabylyinginamanger.Andwhentheysawit,theymadeknownthesayingthathadbeentoldthemconcerningthischild.Andallwhohearditwonderedatwhattheshepherdstoldthem.ButMarytreasuredupallthesethings,ponderingtheminherheart.Andtheshepherdsreturned,glorifyingandpraisingGodforalltheyhadheardandseen,asithadbeentoldthem.LUKE2:1-20SongSingorlistentoâSilentNightâtogether.Asyoudo,readcarefullythroughthelyricsandexplainanywordsthatmightbeunfamiliartoyourkids.AskthemwhattheylearnaboutJesusfromthissong.Silentnight,holynightAlliscalm,allisbrightRoundyonvirginmotherandchildHolyinfant,sotenderandmildSleepinheavenlypeace,sleepinheavenlypeaceSilentnight,holynightShepherdsquakeatthesightGloriesstreamfromheavenafarHeavenlyhostssingAlleluia!ChristtheSaviorisborn!ChristtheSaviorisborn!Silentnight,holynightSonofGod,loveâspurelightRadiantbeamsfromthyholyfaceWiththedawnofredeeminggraceJesus,Lordatthybirth.Jesus,Lordatthybirth.Silentnight,holynightWondrousstarlendthylightWiththeangelsletussingAlleluiatoourKingChristtheSaviorisborn!ChristtheSaviorisborn!PrayerHaveonepersonpray,thankingGodforHisincrediblefaithfulnessinsendingJesustosaveHispeoplefromtheirsins.
âAndthentheywillseetheSonofMancominginacloudwithpowerandgreatglory.Nowwhenthesethingsbegintotakeplace,straightenupandraiseyourheads,becauseyourredemptionisdrawing
near.âLUKE21:27-28
Butdonotoverlookthisonefact,beloved,thatwiththeLordonedayisasathousandyears,andathousandyearsasoneday.TheLordisnotslowtofulfillhispromiseassomecountslowness,butispatienttowardyou,notwishingthatanyshouldperish,butthatallshouldreachrepentance.Butthe
dayoftheLordwillcomelikeathief,andthentheheavenswillpassawaywitharoar,andtheheavenlybodieswillbeburnedupanddissolved,andtheearthandtheworksthataredoneonitwillbeexposed.
Sinceallthesethingsarethustobedissolved,whatsortofpeopleoughtyoutobeinlivesofholinessandgodliness,waitingforandhasteningthecomingofthedayofGod,becauseofwhichtheheavenswillbesetonfireanddissolved,andtheheavenlybodieswillmeltastheyburn!Butaccordingtohispromisewearewaitingfornewheavensandanewearthinwhichrighteousnessdwells.Therefore,
beloved,sinceyouarewaitingforthese,bediligenttobefoundbyhimwithoutspotorblemish,andatpeace.
2PETER3:8-14Thinkaboutthedifferentwaysinwhichyouprepareforthingsinyourlifeâwhetheritâsmakingdinner,gettingreadyforworkorhavingaguestover.Howmuchtimeandintentionalitydoyouinvestandwhy?Whatmotivatesyoutowardcarefulpreparation?Whatadjustmentsdoyoumaketoyourschedule,plans,budget,etc.?
Week#5ThePromiseofJesusâReturn
PersonalStudy(December25â31)
ThePromiseofJesusâReturnFormanyofus,ChristmasDayisoneofthemostimportantdaysoftheentireyear,whichisobviousgiventheintenseamountofpreparationthatoftengoesintoit.Weadjustschedules,plansandbudgetsmonthsinadvance.Familymemberstravelinfromfaraway.Decorationsareperfectlyplaced,menusareplanned,andgiftsarepurchased,wrappedandhidden.Thereisintentionality,joyandanticipation;allbecausethisdayissignificant.Andalsobecausewebelieveitisareality.Christmasisnâtapretendday;itâsreal.WewouldnâtgothroughallthetroubletoprepareifwedidnâtbelieveChristmaswas,infact,anactualday.Wetrustittocomeonthesamedateeveryyear.Outofloveandexpectation,wemakeeverynecessarypreparation,sothatwhenitbecomesourreality,weareready.WespendmonthspreparingtocelebrateandrememberChristâsfirstcoming.HowmuchmoreshouldweseektobereadyforHissecondcoming?Thatday,too,isareality;anabsolutecertainty.UnlikeChristmasDay,whichhappenseveryDecember25,onlytheFatherknowsthedayandhourHisSonwillreturn.ButHeiscoming.Inthefullnessoftime,Hewillsplittheskyanddescendtodestroyallwickedness,receivetheworshipthatisrightfullyHisandusherinanewageâthebeginningofunbroken,unendingfellowshipwithHim.Weshouldbelievein,thinkabout,looktoandprepareforthatday.OnceMoreWeWaitThedayofJesusâreturniscertainandcoming,butâsofarâitisnottoday.WefindourselvesmuchliketheIsraeliteslongagoâwaiting.Whichbegsthequestion:Howthenshallwewait?Peterasksandanswersthisveryquestioninhissecondletter.Inlove,heremindshisreadersthat,thoughthedaysseemlongandwearyinthewaiting,GodisnotslowinkeepingHispromise.HeassuresthemoftheabsoluterealityoftheappointeddaywhenJesuswillreturn.Andhethentellsthemexactlywhatkindsoflivestheyaretoliveinlightofthiscomingdayâlivesofholiness,godlinessandhopefulexpectation.Peterâsexhortationsarejustasmuchforustodayastheywereforthebelievershewrotetolongago.WetooarelivinginthedaysofGodâspatientmercy.WeneedtoberemindedthatreallybelievinginandlookingtowardtherealityofJesusâreturnchangesthewaywelive.Itreorientsourhopeandperspective.Itcreatesasenseofurgencyandsobriety,aswellasgiddyanticipationâjustlikeachildwhocannotwaitforChristmasmorning.Letus,thepeopleofGod,befoundreadyinthewaiting.AsthisAdventseasoncomestoaclose,takesometimetoreflectonhowtherealityofJesusâreturnaffectsthewayyoulive.MayyourheartbefullandyoureyesbrightasyouhopeallthingsinChristandlooktoHiscoming.Takeheart,beloved.Itwonâtbelong.
ReflectionRe-read2Peter3:8-14.Whatstandsouttoyouinthispassageandwhy?Whatquestionsdoesitleaveyouwith?HowdoesyourlifereflectyourbeliefthatJesuswillreturn?Isitsomethingyouthinkaboutandlongfor?Ifnot,whydoyouthinkthatis?Whatdoyouthinkofwhenyouhearorreadthewordsâbediligentâ?Whatdoesitlooklikeforyoutobediligentinpursuingholinessandgodliness?Inwhatareasdoyouneedtofightandfleefromsin?InwhatareasdoyouneedtocultivateloveforGodandloveforothers?LookupRomans8:22-25.CompareittoRevelation21:1-7.Whatfuturebirthdoweawait?HowdoeslookingexpectantlytothepromisedreturnofJesusaffectthewayyouseeyourpresentcircumstances?ResponseOnewayGodâschildrenprepareforJesusâreturnisbycaringforthepoor,vulnerableandoutcast(Matt.25:31-46).AsyoulookaheadtotheNewYear,thinkofpracticalwaysyouandyourfamilyorcommunitycancarefortheweakinyourarea.Inprayer,thankGodfortherealitythatJesuswillreturnandmakeallthingsnew.Confessanyareasofyourlifeâfinances,time,relationships,stewardshipofyourbodyâwhereyouhavenâtbeendiligentinpursuingholiness.AsktheLordtoshowyouspecificwaysyoucanactivelyawaitHispromisedreturninthecomingyear.SongsoftheSeasonGloriousDayInChristAloneLookandSeeYouHoldMeNow
SetasidetenminutesonenightthisweektotalkaboutGodâspromisethatJesuswillreturn.Theonlymaterialsneededarefivecandles,matchesandaBible.LightingoftheAdventCandleAsafamily,lightallfivecandles.TalkabouthowJesus,theLight,cameintotheworldtopiercethedarknessofsinonce,andHewillreturntodoawaywithitforever.ScriptureReadingHaveonepersonreadthefollowingpassagesoutloud.âAndthentheywillseetheSonofMancominginacloudwithpowerandgreatglory.Nowwhenthesethingsbegintotakeplace,straightenupandraiseyourheads,becauseyourredemptionisdrawingnear.âLUKE21:27-28âIamgoingtoshowyouasecret,John,âJesussaid,âaboutwhenIcomeback.ââWritedownwhatyouseesoGodâschildrencanreadit,andwaitwithhappyexcitement.IâmonmywayâŚIâllbetheresoon.âTHEJESUSSTORYBOOKBIBLEReflectionHaveanadultreadthecommentarybelow.Jesuscame,justlikeGodsaidHewould.ButGodâspromisesdonâtendthere.JustlikeGodâspeoplewaitedwitheageranticipationforJesustocomeandrescuethemfromtheirsins,wearewaitingtoo.
Week#5FamilyDiscipleshipTime
(December25â31)
Godmadeusanotherpromise.HepromisedthatJesuswouldreturntoearth.HehasalreadysavedusfromoursinsifweloveandtrustHim.ButwhenHecomesthesecondtime,Hewillsaveusfromallthebrokennessthatsinhascausedintheworld.Justlikebefore,GodhasgivenushintsandcluesabouthowandwhenJesuswillreturn.Andjustlikebefore,wewait.Sometimeswewaitpatiently.Sometimeswewaitwithtearsandfrustrationbecausewecanâtwaittoliveinaworldwithoutanysin.SometimesweforgetandwonderifJesusreallywillcomeback.ButGodisfaithfulâevenwhenwearefaithless.AndJesuswillcomeback.Ask:HowdoyouthinkweshouldbewaitingforJesusâreturn?Whatshouldwedoaswewait?Thistime,Jesuswillnotcomeinthemiddleofthenightasababy.Hewillnotbeweakandhelpless.TheBibletellsusthatwhenJesuscomesback,Hewillrideoutoftheskyonahorse,carryingasword.HewilldobattlewithSatan.AndHewillwin.OurRescueriscomingback!Whilewewait,wewaitwithhope.Welivelivesofjoy,peaceandcompassion.WestrivetobemorelikeJesus,everydayputtingsintodeath.AndwetellothersthatJesuscametosavesinnersinhopesthattheywillloveandtrustinHim,too.Jesusiscomingback.Wedonâtknowwhen,butweknowHeâscoming.Soon.Sobeready.SoonwewillworshipourKing,asHedeserves,forever.Come,LordJesus,come!Ask:AswereadtheseversesandrememberGodâsfaithfulnesstosendaRescuerandHispromisethatJesuswillcomeagain,whatattributesofGoddoyousee?PrayerHaveonefamilymembersayaprayer,askingJesustocomeagainsoon.FamilyActivityTogether,read1Thessalonians4:13-18andtalkaboutwhatJesusâreturnwillbelike,looklikeandsoundlike.Whatdoyoulearnfromthispassage?AskyourchildrenwhatquestionstheyhaveaboutJesusâreturnandifitâssomethingthatscaresthemtothinkabout.AssurethemthatJesusâreturnwillusherinaworldwithnomoresin,sickness,sadness,fights,punishmentorhavingtoeatfoodstheydonâtlike.Evenbetter,thosewholoveandtrustJesuswillbewithHimforeverwithnoseparation.WeshouldlooktoandlongforJesusâreturn.Andwhilewewait,weshouldtakeseriouslyHiscommandtoloveHimfirstandmost,knowHisWord,careforthepoorandsharethegospel.
AdditionalActivitiesDraworpaintwhatyouthinkJesusâreturnmightlooklike.Spendtimeoutsidewatchingtheclouds.AfterJesusdiedandcamebacktolife,Hereturnedtoheavenbygoingupintotheclouds.TheBibletellsusHewillreturn,comingoutoftheclouds.SpendtimeimaginingwhatJesusâreturnwilllooklikeandprayforHimtocomesoon.