Read: Zephaniah 3:14-20
Reflect: People experience having kids in a lot of different ways. But no matter the context, family, or situation, the one constant reality about having a child is that they change everything. They usher in a new reality: a vehicle goes from 2 doors to 4, you gain new appreciation for animation, diapers are now a part of the budget…in other words, things change.
But imagine a child in which its very presence changes everything for the better-not just change that is seen in your surroundings, but the very presence of this child also changes you inwardly and fills you with hope and releases you from the struggles, hurts, and pain you faced before this child came into your life.
Isaiah was an amazing prophet in the bible. He received messages from God and he shared them with God’s people. Isaiah lived during a time of great struggle for God’s people. He received a vision that would be an end to pain and suffering and the beginning of peace, joy, and fulfillment, and this change would happen through the gift of a child – God’s only son Jesus!
Isaiah 9:6 says, “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Based on this description, we see that this child will change everything! The people suffered for a long time, so much so, they thought this is just the way it’s going to be, that GOD has forgotten about us and nothing will change. But this child is a reminder that GOD has never forgotten about you, that he knows your suffering, and has sent this amazing baby to change everything for the better.
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Discuss: What is something in your life that you are hoping will change? Do you believe GOD can still change it? Like Isaiah, can you still have a vision of change even when your current situation looks the same?
Pray: Father, thank you for Jesus who comes as a baby to change everything for the better. Give us the strength to trust you and hope in you in the midst of my current situation. Forgive us in how we have contributed to our circumstances. You are the only one who can change it. You are the only one who can change me. In Jesus’ name, Amen!
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