Scripture Verses
Read the context around these key verses when possible!
Reflections
After the days of King David, the prophets told the Israelites of destruction that would come to them. It would be devastating. Life would seem cut-off, like a tree that had been chopped down leaving only a stump. No one would expect that stump to grow into a great tree again. No one would anticipate that stump to one day grow life-giving fruit.
Indeed, the darkness did come. The people were taken captive. Their king was no more. The family tree of David was chopped down. The people could no longer put their hope in their king to save them. They had trouble remembering God’s promises, much less believing them.
But…
When darkness persisted, when silence endured, when all hope seemed lost, God’s promise was born. Jesus is the life-giving shoot coming from the people who were like a chopped-down tree stump. Jesus is the branch that grows and bears fruit forever.
Jesus is the branch bearing fruit, and He is also the Root of David, who conquered, and is worthy to bring about God’s plan and save God’s people.
Going Deeper With Teens/Preteens
Listen to the song, Is He Worthy? List all of the themes you hear in the song that we have already talked about during our Advent study this year. Can you find a Scripture that talks about each theme on your list?
Is He Worthy? (with lyrics on screen)
Psalms, Hymns, and Spiritual Songs
The following are available on Right Now Media:
To The Ends of the Earth (Micah 5:2-5) – From Seeds Family Worship, Christmas Album
From Hosanna, Loud Hosannas – Student Hymnal:
- O Little Town of Bethlehem #11
Discussion
What promises has God made to us? Do you ever feel like God isn’t keeping His promises? How do we know God will always keep His promises?
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 9
- Continue praying for the unreached people all over the world.
- If you are using the Advent Prayer Chain, see if you can find a recipe HERE from one of the people groups you have been praying for
- Try out one of these recipes, learn more about that unreached people group, and pray for them to hear the Good News! Window on the World is a great resource for learning about and praying for the unreached.
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.