December 2024 at Living Word
Activities, bright lights, and Christmas time can cause comfort, concerns and excitement depending on which gifts we focus on. He knows when we choose selfishness and sinful desires, He also knows when we choose to do the right thing and follow the plan we were designed for. It is that time of year- Do you focus on the things God has given you or buy more and more into the world’s values. Real joy will occur when you follow God’s plan not the worlds. God sent Jesus, the greatest gift anyone can receive. So thankful that God has always been willing to work in and through imperfect people. We thank God for designing mankind with a purpose in life and then providing us the gifts and resources to fulfill that purpose when we seek and follow His will. This month we learn of God’s special plan.
Dec 1 It was not a puzzle to put together, It was a promise of what was to come. People in the Old Testament told that Jesus would be born. Isaiah 7:14; 9:6; 11:1-5; Micah 5:2 Prophecy of a Son – “The Lord Himself will give you a sign.”; “The government will be upon His shoulders.” “A shoot will grow from the stump of Jesse.” Wonderful Counselor; The Lord Himself will give you a sign; Prince of Peace; The Spirit of the Lord will rest on Him.; A shoot Will Grow from the stump of Jesse. The Old Testament told of the Savior long before He came to earth as a child. The plan was for you and I.
Dec 8 Do not be afraid. Angels bring the message, news, and plan. The Bible teaches us that God prepared the way for Jesus’ birth. News for Mary and Joseph – Mary and Joseph both said “Yes” to God’s directions concerning becoming Jesus’ parents. She will give birth to a son, and you are to name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. Matthew 1:18-24; Luke1:26-38.
Dec 15 God planned for Jesus to be born. God sent Jesus to earth as a real person. A Savior’s Birth – The Bible teaches that Jesus was born as God had promised. All the prophecies about the birth of the Savior came true. Matthew 1:21; Luke 2:1-20
Dec 22 Not even a king can stop the plan. Wise men came to find the new born king. The Wise Men Worshiped Jesus. The wise men brought gifts to Jesus because they knew He was God’s Son. Matthew 2:1-12, Herod was jealous and tried stop the plan God made. Escape to Egypt. God helped protect baby Jesus and God’s plan could not be stopped. Proverbs 21:30; Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:21; 2; Luke 2:7
Dec 29 The child became so much more than the King. Jesus grew, learned, and began to fill God’s plan for Him. At 12 years of age, Jesus was in the temple, learning and talking with the teachers. He knew God’s plan! God wants us to share how students of today can grow like Jesus. Luke2:40-52.
You have not gone too far, remember that when you see a star or when you see a stone know you are not alone. When they saw a star from afar wise men knew they should seek Him. When the stone rolled away there was nothing to see yet we were not left alone. He came to earth as a child to grow and show being the example and teacher. Then He died for you and me. Then He rose from the dead and He left to prepare our real home. Until His return He sent the Holy Spirit to guide and provide so we would not face the world alone.