"For a child is born to us, a son is given to us... And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
Luke 1:30-33
“Don’t be afraid, Mary,” the angel told her, “for you have found favor with God! 31 You will conceive and give birth to a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. 33 And he will reign over Israel forever; his Kingdom will never end!”
Mary received the good news that Jesus was going to be born from an angel. Although it may have been scary or confusing, Mary trusted that God would keep His promises. Joseph was also confused by God’s plans and feared what would happen. The angel who had visited Mary also visited Joseph in a dream. The angel told him that God will always keep His promises no matter what.
1) Have you ever faced a challenge or situation in life where you have felt confused and fearful? What helped you through that?
2) What are some ways we could grow our trust in God’s plan and His promises? (Reading the Bible, Prayer, Friends, and Family.)
Thank you, Jesus, for loving us. I pray that even when we are confused and fearful in our lives we will look to you. Trusting that you always keep your promises. We thank you for coming to earth to live a perfect life for us. Dying on the cross and rising again. We love you so much, and it’s in your name we pray, amen.
"For a child is born to us, a son is given to us... And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
Luke 2:1-71
At that time the Roman emperor, Augustus, decreed that a census should be taken throughout the Roman Empire. 2 (This was the first census taken when Quirinius was governor of Syria.) 3 All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. 4 And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David’s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. 5 He took with him Mary, to whom he was engaged, who was now expecting a child.
6 And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. 7 She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them.
This is one of the most important stories in the Bible. It shows us God’s unfailing love for every single person. When He sent Jesus to earth to live a perfect life for us. To die on the cross and rise again from the dead. This story is the beginning of Jesus’ time here on earth. Mary gives birth to Jesus in an animal stable in the town of Bethlehem. And throughout this story, we can see that God always keeps His promises.
1) Why do you think God sent Jesus to live on earth and show us His love? (To live a perfect life and take the punishment of sin for us.)
2) How does this story remind us that God will do anything to show His love for us?
Thank you, Jesus, for your unfailing love. I pray that we remember what you did for us, especially when we feel unsure or afraid. Thank you for always being with us. Help us to trust in your love every day. We love you so much, and it’s in your name we pray, amen.
"For a child is born to us, a son is given to us... And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6
Luke 2:8-11
That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. 9 Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, 10 but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. 11 The Savior—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David!
Luke 2:15-17
When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”16 They hurried to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. 17 After seeing him, the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child.
In today’s story, angels announced to the shepherds the joyful news that Jesus, the Savior, had been born. Though they were afraid at first, the shepherds were filled with joy and rushed to see Him. Afterward, they shared this amazing news with everyone, showing us that God’s message of love and hope is for everyone, and we can share it too.
1) Why do you think the shepherds were so excited to see Jesus after hearing the angels’ message?
2) How can we share the good news of Jesus with others, just like the shepherds did?
Thank you, God, for sending Jesus to be our Savior and for sharing this wonderful news with the shepherds. Help us to feel the same joy they did and to share your love with others. We love you, and it’s in Jesus' name we pray, amen.