The Birth of Christ Foretold (What will he be like?)
Songs: O Little Town of Bethlehem/ Away in a Manger

This week our readings from Scripture focus on the nature of the baby born in a manger in Bethlehem. By nature we mean, what was he like. We are still looking at readings from the Old Testament that were given and written long before Jesus was born, but the prophecies foretold exactly what Jesus would be like.

If you spend much time thinking on the complexity of this Christ child, you will find yourself mind-boggled. We cannot comprehend it all. How can this baby be both God and man? How can he be both a servant and the King of Kings?

As you read the advent passages this week, spend time thinking about the characteristics of Jesus that the passages foretold. Think about and discuss with your family why Jesus had to be all of those things. Why he came in humble circumstances? Why did he have to suffer? How is he a king? And as you do this, you will find yourself moved to worship more fully.

Questions for Discussion:
As you reflect on this week’s Bible passages, here are some suggested questions that might help you reflect on and talk about these things with your family and others.

1) Why do you think so many people in the New Testament days failed to recognize Jesus as THE Messiah?
2) How was Jesus a suffering servant? In what way is he a conquering king?
3) How did the birth of Jesus change the flow of human history? How did it change your life?
4) How might the place (size of town, etc) of the birth of Jesus be significant?

Bible Readings:
Sunday: The Chosen One (Isaiah 42:1-4)
Monday: A Servant Who Brings Salvation (Isaiah 49:1-7)
Tuesday: A Man of Sorrows (Isaiah 53:1-12)
Wednesday: God’s Spirit is Upon Him (Isaiah 61:1-3)
Thursday: A Righteous Branch (Jeremiah 23:5-6)
Friday: A Ruler over Israel (Micah 5:2)
Saturday: Your King is Coming (Zechariah 9:9-10)

Some of the questions and readings are adapted from Christ in Christmas: A Family Advent Celebration published by NavPress, © 1989.