Today’s Bible Story: Goodness and Light (Jesus Is Promised)
Micah 5:2, Isaiah 9:6-7, Isaiah 7:14-15
Today’s Key Question: What are you hoping for?

Monthly Memory Verse: A child will be born to us. A son will be given to us. He will rule over us. And he will be called Wonderful Adviser and Mighty God. He will also be called Father Who Lives Forever and Prince Who Brings Peace. Isaiah 9:6 (NIrV)
 
Isn’t it amazing to think that long before Jesus was ever born, God had this all planned out? God knew how Jesus would come into the world, and God knew exactly what we needed in a Rescuer. Now, I’m sure when Isaiah and Micah shared these words with God’s people—who were definitely in a time of uncertainty—it was hard for them to see how God’s plan would all happen. They might have even struggled to believe in a king Who would reign with fairness and justice forever and ever. After all, they had seen many kings do the exact opposite. But these words from God were meant to give hope. God had a plan . . . and He had not forgotten the people of Israel or Judah!
 
That’s what so much of Christmas is all about. God promised to send a Rescuer, and God made good on that promise through Jesus, God’s Son! At Christmas, and all through the year, we celebrate Jesus’ birth, the true King, who will bring peace and justice forever and ever. That’s a big promise, but God was and always will be faithful to carry out a plan like that! And that’s a promise big enough to give us true hope!
  
How does knowing God has a plan give us hope even when things are difficult?