Leading up to the fourth Sunday of Advent, we’ll continue to think about the gifts God provides his people, even in times of trouble or exile. During the Babylonian captivity, the Israelites held tight to the promise that God would save them. His gift was not only the coming Messiah, but the promiseof the Messiah. Even before a baby was placed in a manger, the psalms and prophets spoke with confidence that he wouldcome. The promise gave them hope to carry on, even when it all appeared hopeless. We’ll read from these texts each night this week.
On Sunday, we’ll read of the kings from the east who brought gifts to the Messiah. Then we’ll reflect on ways that we can bring our gifts to the kingdom of God, both individually and as a family. Building on those ideas, we’ll set concrete goals and plans for the new year and pray over them together.