Advent Week 3: The Baby
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
“This very day in King David's hometown a Savior was born for you. He is Christ the Lord. You will know who he is, because you will find him dressed in baby clothes and lying on a bed of hay.” Suddenly many other angels came down from heaven and joined in praising God. They said: “Praise God in heaven! Peace on earth to everyone who pleases God.”
Did you know about 385,000 babies are born in the world every day? That is a lot of babies! Each baby can grow up to do some amazing things. Some may be tradespeople, doctors, teachers, or scientists. Before a baby is born, their parents often dream and wonder what they will grow up to be. Unlike mothers and fathers today, Jesus’ parents did not have to wonder or wait to see who he would become. God had a plan for Jesus from the beginning and shared it with Mary and Joseph through an angel.
In Luke 2:11-14, the long-awaited Messiah has come. The prophecy from the prophet Isaiah has happened. On that blessed night, the hope God promised so many years ago was born into the world. He came as a baby—not just any baby—he was the Son of God. His mission was clear: “The Son of Man came to look for and to save people who are lost” (Luke 19:10). The baby in the manager did just what he was born to do. He came into the world and lived with us. He taught the Word of God, healed us in the name of God, and died on the cross to unite us back to God because our sins separated us from God. God the Father raised Jesus from the dead and gave him power over all creation. Christ accomplished the task God sent him to do.
At Christmas, we celebrate all that God has done for us through Jesus. What can you do as a way to worship Jesus? The wise men brought gifts: “When the men went into the house and saw the child with Mary, his mother, they knelt down and worshiped him. They took out their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh and gave them to him” (Matthew 2:11). Maybe your gift is singing about the goodness of God. Maybe your worship could be praying for others or having a grateful attitude that doesn’t complain. In all these ways and more, we can proclaim that Jesus is worthy of our worship!
Prayer
God, thank you for Jesus Christ. Help me remember why we celebrate Christmas and 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.