Family story-time from Scripture!
Proverbs 7-9, Isaiah 9:1-7/Luke 2:1-40
How to get the most out of Hungry Bible
OT
Proverbs 8:22-35 “The LORD formed me from the beginning, before he created anything else. I was appointed in ages past, at the very first, before the earth began. I was born before the oceans were created, before the springs bubbled forth their waters. Before the mountains and the hills were formed, I was born– before he had made the earth and fields and the first handfuls of soil. I was there when he established the heavens, when he drew the horizon on the oceans. I was there when he set the clouds above, when he established the deep fountains of the earth. I was there when he set the limits of the seas, so they would not spread beyond their boundaries. And when he marked off the earth’s foundations, I was the architect at his side. I was his constant delight, rejoicing always in his presence. And how happy I was with what he created–his wide world and all the human family! And so, my children, listen to me, for happy are all who follow my ways. Listen to my counsel and be wise. Don’t ignore it. Happy are those who listen to me, watching for me daily at my gates, waiting for me outside my home! For whoever finds me finds life and wins approval from the LORD. But those who miss me have injured themselves. All who hate me love death.”– Wisdom
9:6-7 For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. And the government will rest on his shoulders. These will be his royal titles: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His ever expanding, peaceful government will never end. He will rule forever with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David. The passionate commitment of the LORD Almighty will guarantee this!
NT
2:6-15 And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the village inn. That night some shepherds were in the fields outside the village, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. They were terribly frightened, but the angel reassured them. “Don’t be afraid!” he said. “I bring you good news of great joy for everyone! The Savior-yes, the Messiah, the Lord–has been born tonight in Bethlehem, the city of David! And this is how you will recognize him: You will find a baby lying in a manger, wrapped snugly in strips of cloth!” Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others–the armies of heaven–praising God: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to all whom God favors.” When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, “Come on, let’s go to Bethlehem! Let’s – CHECK IT OUT!!”
OT Flash Points
Keep my words, guard them as your most precious possession
Wisdom and insight are your family
Don’t follow seduction and quick gratification – a woman called Folly
To us, a Child is born!
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace is today given us in the Bethlehem of our hearts to grow and rule forever
NT Flash Points
Joseph and Mary – parents chosen for this Son of God
Born in Bethlehem
A light to the Gentiles and glory of Israel
Perspective
You were given to chosen parents
Is there a specific purpose?
Perhaps you have been chosen and given a child
For what purpose?
Could it be for the same purpose?
Light and glory?
Make sure it is, with all that is in your power
We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us
Not by might, nor by power of Man, but “By My Spirit,” says the LORD
So humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God and in His perfect time, He will honor you