Advent: The Coming of Jesus ChristSample

DEVOTIONAL

Happy Day 7 of celebrating the "hope-full" prophets! These guys, like Zechariah, prophesied the coming Messiah in amazing detail! They prophesied HOPE, personified as Jesus Christ. It was a good day in Bethlehem when all those prophecies were fulfilled. And it's a good day today because we put our HOPE in our Lord Jesus and get to celebrate His birth.

Since we have HOPE, we can give HOPE to others. Spreading the HOPE of Jesus is what God has called all of us to do. Our calling is the same, but the details might be different.

Maybe you're not a prophet; perhaps you're more like Peter. Peter was one of Jesus' disciples. He was also one of the most significant people in church history - do you think he had formal education or experience? Nope. Not a bit. He was just a regular fisherman willing to obey Jesus' calling.

Maybe you're more of a Mary Magdalene. She had quite a "dysfunctional" past. But Jesus didn't mind. He used her mightily anyway because she took up the calling of the Hope in Christ. No matter who you are or what you have done...your mission is clear: embrace and spread the HOPE of Jesus today!

ACTIVITY

Today, we will have an Act of Kindness activity. We want to provide you and your family an opportunity to give the HOPE of Jesus to others.

Part 1: Write a card to your neighbor and leave it in their mailbox. You can make your own or buy a pretty Christmas card from the store. Tell them how glad you are to have them as neighbors and how you are praying for them. Remember to tell them about Jesus! HINT: Make it extra sweet by adding a treat to your card.

Part 2: Pause and pray that they will have the HOPE of Christ as they overcome the year's challenging obstacles. Pray that they would have energy and excitement for all they are accomplishing. Pray that they will all have an extraordinary Christmas season filled with belonging and joy.

We HOPE you have a great day, and we'll see you back tomorrow for Day 8!