Old Testament – Isaiah 40
Isaiah tells Israel that in the future Israel will be comforted with the coming of
their Messiah. Isaiah says that the valleys will be flattened out and hard roads
will be made smooth. Isaiah tells us that a voice will be heard in the wilderness
saying “prepare a way for the Lord.” Isaiah is telling us about John The Baptist
who would live in the wilderness and prepare the way for Jesus Christ. A musician
and a composer, Handel, wrote The Messiah which celebrates Advent and
Christmas. Isaiah 40 is sung in the piece “Every Valley” in The Messiah. Here it
sung below.
Advent is the time when we prepare to celebrate Jesus’ birth at Christmas. So
how are you preparing the way for Jesus in this time before Christmas?
Old Testament – Psalm 85
Psalm 85 was written by the Sons of Korah. The Sons of Korah were Temple
musicians and they wrote 12 psalms. This song is asking God to not be angry with
Israel anymore. The writer is asking God to show mercy to Israel. At the end of
the Psalm the writer says Righteousness and Peace will kiss on earth. The writer
foretells Jesus’ second coming. Jesus will bring Righteousness and Peace to earth.
Below is a song telling about the Kingdom of God where righteousness, peace and
joy will live. The song asks “Do you want to be a part of the Kingdom of God?”
Think about this as you listen to the song.
New Testament – 2 Peter 3:8-15a
Here Peter is reminding us that Jesus will come again in God’s perfect time. While
it seems a long way off, Peter tells us that God’s timing is not the same as human
timing. A thousand years in God’s sight is like a day in our sight. Peter also tells
us that when Jesus comes again the earth and heaven will disappear. This is scary
to us. But we know that God will recreate a new earth and heaven that is
incredibly beautiful. Peter also tells us we are to live as Jesus’ followers. We are
to be honest and loving.
New Testament – Mark 1:1-8
We see that Isaiah’s prophecy has come true. Mark starts his gospel by quoting
Isaiah 40. John The Baptist lived in the wilderness and people were coming out
from the cities to be baptized by him. John The Baptist tells everyone that
someone is coming who is more powerful than he is. John says he baptizes with
water but this person will baptize with the Holy Spirit. John is speaking about
Jesus. Jesus is the one who baptizes us with His Holy Spirit. Every Christian has
made baptismal promises. Do you know your baptismal promises? Take time this
week to find out what these promises are and whether you are obeying them.
Younger Children's Lesson:
What are all our lessons about today?
All our stories today are about a person who will get everyone ready for Jesus’
coming. The person who gets people ready for Jesus’ coming is named John The
Baptist. He baptized everyone to get them ready for Jesus’ coming. John The
Baptist even baptized Jesus. Color the page showing John baptizing Jesus.
Listen to Pastor Steve as he tells us about today’s stories.
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