Advent Week 1: The Prophecy
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.
18 This is how Jesus Christ was born. A young woman named Mary was engaged to Joseph from King David's family. But before they were married, she learned that she was going to have a baby by God's Holy Spirit. 19 Joseph was a good man and did not want to embarrass Mary in front of everyone. So he decided to quietly call off the wedding. 20 While Joseph was thinking about this, an angel from the Lord appeared to him in a dream. The angel said, “Joseph, the baby that Mary will have is from the Holy Spirit. Go ahead and marry her. 21 Then after her baby is born, name him Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.” 22 So the Lord's promise came true, just as the prophet had said, 23 “A virgin will have a baby boy, and he will be called Immanuel,” which means “God is with us.” 24 After Joseph woke up, he and Mary were soon married, just as the Lord's angel had told him to do.
Matthew 1:18-24
Memory Verse
Isaiah 9:6
6 His power will never end; peace will last forever. He will rule David's kingdom and make it grow strong. He will always rule with honesty and justice. The All-Powerful will make certain that all of this is done.
Have you ever been waiting for a message that seemed to take forever? Maybe it was an invitation to a friend’s party or Mom and Dad saying they were bringing your favorite meal for dinner. Perhaps you dream that the principal will cancel school because of a snow day.
In today's Bible reading and memory verse, we will see two important messages about the birth of Jesus Christ.
Isaiah was a prophet, which is someone who delivers a message from God. A true prophet only speaks God’s truth and not their own. The message was a prophecy, and Judah needed Isaiah’s message. It was a difficult time for Judah, and they needed help. The prophet Isaiah brought a promise from God: hope for their future. He told Judah about a baby whose different names would reflect who he was and what he could do for God’s people.
Later, in Matthew 1:18-24, the gospel writer tells the story of the promised Messiah. This time, the Lord sent an angel to deliver his message. The angel assured Joseph, “So the Lord's promise came true, just as the prophet had said.” Because God always keeps his promises, we can trust him to do whatever he says. When you find yourself in a hard situation, remember God’s words to be strong and courageous and his promise to help you (Joshua 1:9). God can be trusted.
During this Advent season, we can remember God’s faithfulness and our hope in Jesus, our Lord. Think of the names of Jesus: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. How do these names bring us hope? How do they express God’s faithfulness? Commit Isaiah 9:6 to memory to help you prepare for Advent this week.
Prayer
God, thank you for the hope we find in Christ. Help me to share the good news of his birth during this season. Amen.Related Resources
Natasha Menifee
Natasha Menifee is an educator, writer and most importantly a child of God. She has taught in public schools for 12 years and holds two master's degrees from Georgetown College in Learning & Behavior Disorders and Teacher Leadership. Natasha also serves as the Christian Education Director at her church. She is the proud mother of two daughters. For more information about her, visit www.natashamenifee.com.