Week 1: Hope

The last time the Lord spoke through a prophet of the coming Messiah was through Malachi. For over four hundred years, the people of God waited in silence for the Messiah to come. Because God did not fulfill his promise right away.

This time of waiting and anticipation was brought to an end in Luke 1, through Zechariah and Elizabeth who had also been waiting and anticipating God’s blessing. God broke his silence by sending an angel to announce the birth of John the Baptist. This very elderly couple would have a son, a son who would be a voice in the wilderness announcing the arrival of the long awaited Messiah.

Read Luke 1 and as you read this passage feel the angst, the sorrow of wanting, and the need of something more. As you understand the deep emotion of the Scripture, bring it into this Advent season as we anticipate the coming Messiah.

Scripture

Isaiah 9:6-7 NLT
For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity. The passionate commitment of the LORD of Heaven’s Armies will make this happen!

Hebrews 1:1-2 NLT
Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son. God promised everything to the Son as an inheritance, and through the Son he created the universe.

Prayer

Almighty God, give us your grace to stand strong against the works of darkness. Help us put on the armor of light, given to us by your Son Jesus, who came into the world with great humility. Prepare our hearts for the day he will come again in his glorious majesty, that we may anticipate his return with great hope. Amen.

Family Activity

Promise your kids you will have a fun Advent surprise for them this week. Maybe it is an activity, a meal, or a gift. Don’t tell them what or when they will get it. Let the excitement and expectation grow.

This is a great opportunity to talk to them about the waiting of humanity on a Messiah. Be sure when you give them the fun surprise to point to Jesus as our greatest surprise and blessing.