The people walking in darkness have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.
Do You Want to Meet a Savior this Christmas?
This month, we are discussing how Jesus was born to melt away the old, and bring new life and a new kingdom. This popular movie parody introduces students to the significance of Jesus' birth in a whole new way, UnFrozen!
It's a time of great turmoil. God's once great nation is divided into two - the Kingdom of Israel and the Kingdom of Judah. When they aren't fighting each other, they're fighting the surrounding kingdoms. The people are discouraged and without hope; their hearts have become cold and dark. In the midst of this, God speaks through a man - a prophet - named Isaiah, telling the people that one day God will establish a new kingdom without end. He will bring forth a new king that will save the people; not only from their enemies, but also from their own sin.
The new kingdom began in humility. A little baby born in an animal stable, sleeping in a feed trough; because his kingdom wasn't just for the powerful, it was for all people. Nearby, some guys who make a living watching sheep were settling in for the night, when suddenly the sky lit up - filled with the electric presence of angels. They came with an announcement: "The new kingdom has arrived! a Savior is born, the anointed one, the Lord!" When the angels had left, the shepherds faced each other and said, We must meet him. Let us go!"
That first Christmas, not everyone was joyful. King Herod was an evil ruler, a man whose heart was dark and cold and turned away from God. When Magi came looking for the newborn King, Herod felt his position and power threatened. He crafted a plan to kill Jesus, but God had other plans.
In keeping with custom, Joseph and Mary presented Jesus at the temple. An old man named Simeon had been waiting his entire life for the new kingdom to arrive. When he saw Jesus, he knew that it had. Simeon declared the new Kingdom would not only be for the Jewish people, but Jesus would open the door for all the people of the world to be saved. Anna, a prophet who stayed at the temple day and night also realized that the new kingdom had come. She went around the temple telling everyone about the one who would redeem the people.
Thank You for celebrating with us! We wish you a Very Merry Christmas, and pray that your homes are filled with hope, joy and peace!!
But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me,
and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.
