The Whole Story: A Life in God's Kingdom, Kingdom ComeSample

Monthly Description

In the four weeks preceding Christmas, Christians have historically celebrated a season commonly called “Advent” (meaning, “arrival”). Like the waiting our children endure before Christmas with gifts under the tree, during this season we intentionally enter a period of waiting and longing leading up to Christmas day. This waiting symbolically reminds us of the same waiting and longing felt by the Hebrew prophets of the Old Testament as they waited for the arrival of the Messiah. During this season we recognize what Christ birthed in humanity in his first coming, and what will be brought to its highest expression at his second coming: hope, love, joy, and peace for all who follow him. 
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Living in God’s Family 
 
The word “family” can mean many different things to different people. Often, when people speak of family, they mean their blood relatives, specifically those with whom they live (often called the “nuclear family”). While this certainly is one aspect of family, it is not the totality of it!  
 
When Christians speak of family, we also refer to God’s family, his ecclesia or “church.” Those who are members of God’s household, brought together in Jesus the Messiah, are more than random individuals who come together a couple of times a week. When we enter God’s kingdom, we become family with one another, forging a unique bond that transcends blood relation, culture, social class, or geographic location. We are all children brought together into God’s great family. 
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Birth of Christ
 
Weekly Description: 
 
2,000 years ago, the true king of all of creation arrived in the earthly realm to announce the kingdom and rescue God’s people from sin and death. This monumental occurrence changed all of history and restored hope for humanity. To celebrate the birth of Christ is to celebrate the inauguration of the eternal kingdom of God. 
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Instructions for Daily Reading 
 
Each day as you engage the Scripture, we recommend following this pattern of devotional reading.  
 
[Take a brief moment of silence to quiet your heart.] 
 
1.    Read the Scripture aloud. 
2.    Seek out where King Jesus is at work in the Scripture. 
3.    Pray over the Scripture. 
4.    Discern how this Scripture impacts your life. 
 
[Demonstrate loyalty to Jesus in one tangible way today.] 
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Matthew 2:1-12
 
Group Discussion & Reflection: The majesty of Jesus is something that can change a person in one moment. We see the power of God’s presence in Matthew 2, where two of King Herod’s men have an encounter with Jesus that ultimately leads to a revelation about the truth behind their king. Have you ever had an encounter like this? If so, how did it shape your faith in God?