Day One: “A Child will be Born”
Scripture: “For a Child will be born to us, a Son will be given to us;
and the government will rest on His shoulders; and His name will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty GOD, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).
I want to encourage you to be determined an d intentional in keeping your primary focus on JESUS during this Christmas season. Make certain your children truly understand the significance of this world-wide celebration . . . the Promised Messiah, sent by GOD Himself . . . for the salvation of the entire world . . . has been born! How can we not be overwhelmed and how can we not celebrate wildly. This is a time to be light in a dark world as we celebrate the coming of the Light of the World! (Matthew 5:14-16; John 8:12)
Beginning four Sundays before Christmas, the purpose of
Advent is twofold: first, it prepares us for the celebration of the birth of
Christ and second, it reminds us that we are eagerly waiting for Jesus' return
in glory.
Throughout history, the Israelites anticipated the coming of
their Messiah. In the Old Testament, over 400 scriptures and prophecies outline
His birth, life, death, resurrection, and return. God had a plan to redeem His
people. He declared His plan to His prophets over the centuries and is
fulfilling His Word even now.
"Prepare the way of the Lord" serves as a main
theme of this season. As we get ready for Christmas, we should not neglect to
prepare our lives for Jesus, who came as "the light of the world."
His light penetrated a dark world, which allowed all to see their Messiah, and
the hope of their future.
"The birth
of Christ is the central event in the history of the earth -- the very thing
the whole story has been about." -- C.S. Lewis
