READ Micah 5:1-5
But you, O Bethlehem of Ephrathah, who are one of the little clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to rule in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days. Therefore, he shall give them up until the time when she who is in labour has brought forth; then the rest of his kindred shall return to the people of Israel. And he shall stand and feed his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they shall live secure, for now he shall be great to the ends of the earth; and he shall be the one of peace. (Micah 5:2-5)
REFLECT
Do you know what a prophecy is? It’s kind of like a promise about the future. A prophecy tells us what’s going to happen. When someone tells you something that’s going to happen, do you usually believe it? Maybe you believe it if your dad says he’ll pick you up from school, but not if your sister says she’ll let you play with her toy. It depends on who is making the promise!
When God or his prophets say something, it will definitely happen. So when God’s prophet Micah says that someone is coming who will rule Israel, he really means it. A king is coming who will stand and feed his flock—he’ll take care of his people. And he will bring peace everywhere he goes. Micah prophesied that many, many years ago. But Jesus really came! He cared for his people and was full of peace.
We can be confident that Jesus will come again and his peaceful kingdom will stay forever. He is the Prince of Peace.
TALK
- How does it feel when a promise is broken?
- Why can we trust God’s promises?
PRAY
Prince of Peace, you are a good and loving king. I can’t wait for you to come back. Some days, both the world and my life seem out of control and beyond repair. But I am trusting you to keep your promise to come and rule like a good and gentle shepherd. Amen.
BLESS & DO
Add the next picture to your tree.
Bless someone by fulfilling a promise that you have given.
Materials adapted from: https://www.faithward.org/jesse-tree/, http://flamecreativekids.blogspot.com/2016/11/the-jesse-tree-printable-pictures.html
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Full resources are in the PDF attached, or available in print from Emmanuel Uniting Church
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Full resources are in the PDF attached, or available in print from Emmanuel Uniting Church
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Full resources are in the PDF attached, or available in print from Emmanuel Uniting Church