DAY TWENTY-FOUR (24 DEC 2020) - COUNTDOWN TO CHRISTMAS

“So Joseph settled his family in the village of Nazareth, fulfilling the prophecy that Jesus would be known as the “Branch.” 

Matthew 2:23 (The Passion Translation)

Extra reading: Isaiah 11:1-11

There was speculation that Joseph and Mary were going to settle in Jerusalem because of the angelic prediction of Jesus’ messianic future. But God led them to go back to their humble village of Nazareth in Galilee. There Jesus was raised in obscurity in all the facets of a 1st Century Jewish family, following in his father Joseph’s footsteps until he was released into his ministry at age 30. Despite where Jesus grew up, he totally fulfilled his destined goal of being the Lamb of God who died for the sins of the world.

Just before we dive into Christmas, today may be an opportune time to look back on this past year and reflect on the goodness of God. No matter how tough this year has been, you are alive, you are able to celebrate another Christmas. If you are still breathing then God has not finished with you, and He still has a plan for your life.

Throughout this devotional series the repeated message has been one of love, hope and redemption. And that is the Christmas story in a nutshell. No matter where you live, or what your year has been like, or what you are currently experiencing there is always, and will always be, love, hope and redemption.  

In the words of a Christmas song ‘A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices, for yonder breaks a new and glorious morning.' For each of us the dawn of Christmas Day reminds us that ‘God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life’.

Prayer

Dear Father, thank You for the gift of Jesus and the redeemed life he gave me.

Do this devotional as a family

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iyjm6VpNaNA

2.​ Begin by allowing each person to share the feelings they experienced as they listened to the song.

3.​ Explain that the beauty of Christmas comes from within our hearts, it is a reflection of our deeply held faith in Jesus Christ

4.​ Finish by praying and blessing each child, then allow them to open their Day 24 Advent Calendar.