DAY 16
THE COMING LIGHT
The people who are now living in darkness will see a great light. They are now living in a very dark land. But a light will shine on them.
-Isaiah 9:2
REFLECT
Just like all of us, the Israelites often disobeyed God. Although David had been a faithful king, many of the kings who came after him led the people away from God. Even though they had God’s laws to guide them, the Israelites chose to act wickedly toward one another and turned their backs on Him.
In response, God sent a prophet named Isaiah with a serious warning: “God is going to bring terrible judgment to you because you have stopped obeying Him and are living selfish and wicked lives.” But alongside this warning, God also gave Isaiah a powerful message of hope:
“Rise and shine my people! Wake up from the darkness of your sin, turn to me, and let your heart be full of joy! I am coming to save you from the dark with a Light that will swallow up the darkness because it is so bright!”
Even though many would experience judgment for their sin, God promised to save a faithful remnant, a small group of people who would cling to Him and reflect His love. God would keep His promise: a Savior was coming, One who would take their sin-filled hearts and replace them with hearts full of love and a desire to follow Him.
DISCUSSION
What makes it hard for us to obey God?
How does the God sending Jesus give us hope when we are struggling with sin?
PRAY
Thank you, Father, for sending Jesus, the light of the world, to remove the darkness of our sin. Help us walk in the light and obey your word so that others may worship you.
FAMILY ACTIVITY
Take your family to look at Christmas lights. Grab some hot cocoa and your favorite Christmas treat as you look at all the bright lights. Celebrate that Jesus is the “Light of the world!”
The people who are now living in darkness will see a great light. They are now living in a very dark land. But a light will shine on them.
-Isaiah 9:2
REFLECT
Just like all of us, the Israelites often disobeyed God. Although David had been a faithful king, many of the kings who came after him led the people away from God. Even though they had God’s laws to guide them, the Israelites chose to act wickedly toward one another and turned their backs on Him.
In response, God sent a prophet named Isaiah with a serious warning: “God is going to bring terrible judgment to you because you have stopped obeying Him and are living selfish and wicked lives.” But alongside this warning, God also gave Isaiah a powerful message of hope:
“Rise and shine my people! Wake up from the darkness of your sin, turn to me, and let your heart be full of joy! I am coming to save you from the dark with a Light that will swallow up the darkness because it is so bright!”
Even though many would experience judgment for their sin, God promised to save a faithful remnant, a small group of people who would cling to Him and reflect His love. God would keep His promise: a Savior was coming, One who would take their sin-filled hearts and replace them with hearts full of love and a desire to follow Him.
DISCUSSION
What makes it hard for us to obey God?
How does the God sending Jesus give us hope when we are struggling with sin?
PRAY
Thank you, Father, for sending Jesus, the light of the world, to remove the darkness of our sin. Help us walk in the light and obey your word so that others may worship you.
FAMILY ACTIVITY
Take your family to look at Christmas lights. Grab some hot cocoa and your favorite Christmas treat as you look at all the bright lights. Celebrate that Jesus is the “Light of the world!”