Hopeful Waiting!

It is the time of year when we often times hear, “You will have to wait until Christmas!” I remember how I disliked that comment from my parents when I was a kid and yet I have found myself saying that same thing to my little daughter as we prepare and wait for Christmas. Christmas is a time of hopeful waiting. For some it is waiting for that special gift that was on your wish list, for others it is waiting for family and friends to arrive to be together, and yet more importantly, Christmas is about waiting for the coming of a savior.

In this week’s lesson, there are three key individuals that we need to remember during this Christmas season; Isaiah, who said the savior would be born to a young woman, Micah, who said the savior would come from Bethlehem, and Malachi, who said a messenger would announce the coming savior.

As you patiently wait for Christmas, not because of the gifts you might be receiving or the yummy cookies and candy you get to enjoy, pause, feel God’s peace, and know that God is with us as we wait for the birth of Jesus; a loving, forgiving savior!

Bible Text: Isaiah 7:14, Micah 5:2-4; Malachi 3:1-2

Key Verse: Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel. Isaiah 7:14

Faith Trait: Patience

Talk Points:
*What are you waiting for?
*How patiently are you waiting?
*What are five things you do while you wait patiently?
*If Isaiah, Micah, and Malachi had had access to newsprint and the internet, what might their front-page news and web sites have looked like?

Reminders:
*Christmas Program this weekend, Dec. 12th/13th during the 5:17, 9:30, and 10:45 worship services.
*Large Group Worship on Dec. 16th, 6-6:30pm. Pastor Liz will be leading us in worship.
*Dec. 20th BUGs Event- we will be going Christmas caroling to King of Kings members from 4-6:30pm. Encourage the kids to sign up at the kiosk.
*NO Club 56 on Dec. 23 and 30th.

Pause and feel God's peace during this busy Christmas season!