Advent: A Time of Hope
Bible Readings
Take a few minutes to read the Bible verses listed and ask the Holy Spirit to lead you in how this verse applies to you this week.
Memory Verse
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (NIV)
So, what are you waiting for? Is there something extra special you hope will happen someday? Are you waiting for something to happen? Maybe it’s an exciting event, like a birthday or maybe you’re waiting for an important package to arrive. Waiting for something can be hard. “Looking forward” means that something special hasn’t arrived just yet.
The Israelites were waiting for something. During the time of Isaiah, Israel had been conquered over and over. Foreign enemies ruled over them, and they wanted so much to be free. Where did their hope come from? They believed the Messiah, a rescuer, would come and save them. With his prophecies of a Messiah, Isaiah gave hope to God’s people. Isaiah and other Old Testament prophets waited with hope that someday God’s Messiah would come. Could they have imagined how Jesus would one day come to defeat the powerful enemy Satan and free God’s people from both sin and death?
How does Jesus give you hope? He died on the cross and paid for your sins, setting you free from Satan’s power. He protects you today too. He also promises you eternal life and equips you from now on to live for him. Have you given your life to Jesus yet? So, what are you waiting for?
Prayer
God of hope, thank you that the prophets continued to tell people that the Messiah was coming. Help us walk in hope during the weeks of Advent, as we wait and prepare for Jesus’ coming. We pray in the name of Jesus, our Savior. Amen.Related Resources
Ron VandenBurg
Senior Producer of Children’s Ministry at ReFrame Ministries
Ron VandenBurg joined the ReFrame Ministries team in 2014. He plans and develops projects specifically for the spiritual formation of children. Before coming to ReFrame, Ron taught middle-school for 27 years. Ron completed a M. Ed. degree in Teaching, Learning and Development at Brock University. Ron and Rachel have three fantastic adult children and one grandchild and reside in Ontario.