LIGHTING THE ADVENT WREATH: The Third Candle (The Pink One)

SCRIPTURE: Isaiah 9:2-7

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness— on them light has shined. You have multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. For the yoke of their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you have broken as on the day of Midian. For all the boots of the tramping warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire. For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

LESSON

Many, many years before Jesus was born, people called prophets would bring God’s message to the people of Israel. The prophets reminded the people of God what God wanted them to do. God wanted them to be good and kind to others. The prophets told the people to worship only the one true God. The prophets also reminded people that God had promised a savior. The prophets also gave the people hope that no matter how bad things might be here on earth, God had not forgotten them. God was going to send a child who would grow to be the world’s savior.

THINK OR TALK ABOUT

Have you ever made a promise that you didn’t keep?

PRAYER

Thank you, God, for making promises and for being faithful to keep them.