Scripture Verses
Read the context around these key verses when possible!
Reflections
Alpha and Omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. It’s like saying everything from A to Z. It is all about Him. He is before the past and after the future. When we find our satisfaction in Him, nothing else is needed.
First.
Jesus was before all things. He was in the beginning with God. Revelation tells us He is the beginning. The Creator entered His creation, and the fullness of God rested in a manger.
Last.
He has the last word – the final say. Our hearts that condemn us do not have the last word, He does. The sins that entangle us do not have the last word, He does. The lies that bind us do not have the last word, He does. And His last word is, “It is finished. I freely give you life.”
What hope does everlasting life hold for us?
“That we will live with and enjoy God forever in the new heaven and the new earth, where we will be forever freed from all sin in a renewed, restored, creation. “
New City Catechism, Question 52
His cross assures us it is finished.
His resurrection assures us we have life without end.
His promised return assures us He is for us and we are His.
We’ve seen He is the Bread of Life for the hungry. He is also the Water of Life for the thirsty. Freely, without price to you, come to Jesus and live!
The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price. Revelation 22:18
One day our striving will end, out fight with sin will be over, we will rest at last in Him. And we will find He is the End… and He is also the Beginning, forever.
Going Deeper With Teens/Preteens
Memorize Revelation 21:5-6 with The Verse Project.
Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs
From Hosanna, Loud Hosannas – Student Hymnal
- Joy to the World! The Lord is Come #19
- O Great God #115
- Responsive Reading – Psalm 103
The following are available on Right Now Media:
The Alpha and The Omega – From Seeds Family Worship, Jesus Album
Discussion
Since Jesus is the first and the last, the beginning and the end is there anything to fear? What are you afraid of, and how does Jesus calm your fears?
Neighbors & Nations
We are blessed to be a blessing. Whether near or far, God’s heart is to make His name known so people from every nation will worship Him.
What can our family do today to make God’s name known?
Ideas for December 17
- Consider the people who do not have God’s Word in their own language. Explore Bible translation with this activity from weavefamily.org.
- Read about and pray for Bibleless Peoples throughout the year with this picture book, Akebu to Zapotec.
- Pray for all people to have God’s Word in their own language.
If you are using the Advent Prayer Chain, pray for the next link.
If you have the Seeing Jesus stickers, add the circle to today's banner and review the previous stickers.
Seeing Jesus, Advent Wall Sticker Set is a Christmas countdown that provides a visual reminder of each day’s focus to help us see and celebrate Jesus.