Bible Passage: Isaiah 7, 9, 11 & Micah 5
Main Point: Everything God said about Jesus’ birth came true.
When Adam and Eve introduced sin into the world, all of creation fell under a curse. (See Gen. 3:17-19.) We all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. We’ve inherited the curse of death from Adam. (See Rom. 3:23; 5:12.) Throughout the Old Testament, the consequences of sin are obvious. God’s people were separated from Him; they did not enjoy the intimate relationship with their Creator for which He had created them. God’s people were affected by sickness and pain. Corruption spread quickly throughout the earth. The situation seemed hopeless, yet God did not leave His people without hope.
It was into this hopelessness that God spoke. Hundreds of messages came through the prophets concerning a coming Messiah—One who would rescue people from their sins. But when would this Promised One come? How would He come? Would the people recognize Him? The prophets Isaiah and Micah—who both lived hundreds of years before Jesus was born—spoke specifically of the Messiah’s birth. Isaiah told King Ahaz what the Lord would do. “The virgin will conceive, have a son, and name him Immanuel” (Isa. 7:14). He described the birth of a Prince of Peace—a Son of David who will reign forever. (Isa. 9:6-7) Isaiah said that He would be a King! (Isa. 11:1-5) The prophet Micah named the specific town—Bethlehem—in which Jesus would be born. (Mic. 5:2)
As you talk with your children about the prophecies concerning Jesus’ birth, help them understand that everything God said about Jesus’ birth came true. Hundreds of years later, Jesus was born into the world. God’s plan to save people from sin and death was not a secret plan. God used the prophets to give hope to His people. They said God would send a Messiah—born into the world as a baby to live the perfect life people fail to live and die the guilty death we deserve. Though death came through Adam, life comes through Christ. (1 Cor. 15:22) Through His death on the cross, Jesus finished the work for our salvation. In Him lies our hope of forgiveness and eternal life. Jesus reconciles to God those who trust in Him.
Bible Story Main Points
- Prophets told about the Messiah.
- Isaiah told that one of Jesus’ names would be Immanuel, God with us.
- Isaiah also said Jesus would be a King who would help people and keep them safe.
- Micah said that Jesus would be born in a town called Bethlehem.
- Everything God said about Jesus’ birth came true.
Family Discussion Starters
Preschool (3 years old – K)
* What were some of the things the prophets said about Jesus?
* What does knowing that God said Jesus would come long before He came tell us about God?
* How did Jesus show He is Immanuel, or God with us?
Early Elementary (1st – 3rd grade)
* What were some of the things the prophets said about the coming Messiah?
*How do we know they were true?
* How does that help us trust God in other areas of our lives?
Older Elementary (4th – 6th Grade)
* Why do you think God used the prophets to tell people about the future Messiah?
* What kind of leader is Jesus? How is that different from worldly leaders?
* Do you believe Jesus will keep His promise to come again?
Family Activity
Preschool (3 years old – K)
Work together as a family to make Christmas cards or an insert to go in your Christmas cards. Allow preschoolers to choose Bible verses from the Bible story passage for you to write on your cards.
Early Elementary (1st – 3rd grade)
Make Christmas cards with your family. Fold heavyweight paper in half, or normal paper into quarters. Let your kids decorate with stickers, glitter pens, or other crafts supplies. Help them write a Christmas message and sign their names.
