The third Sunday in Advent was the Sunday of Joy. There is no greater joy than to know and be in relationship with the Savior of the world, Jesus Christ. And as we walk through this Advent season, I hope that you are all taking time to rejoice in and be grateful that the God of the universe chose to enter this world as a human baby with a divine purpose. Every single one of us has the opportunity to believe in this Savior... even children! If your child has never made a decision to follow Jesus, then this season could be a great time to talk about the God, who chose to give his Son as a sacrifice for us. I am including a resource to walk your child through the gospel and a faith decision. I pray that for some families, this Advent 2019 is filled with eternal joy as the family of God increases in number with their decision to follow Jesus.
Our bible story this week was about the proud king, who had previously thrown three followers of God into the fire (our story from last week). Nebuchadnezzar (remember, it's pronounced) neb-uh-cud-nezz-er) was a king, full of pride in his own accomplishments and power, and even after seeing God's protection of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. And old Neb' had a dream about a tree. A dream about a tree seems pretty harmless. But Daniel - our story is in the Book of Daniel, chapter 4 - knew what the dream meant, and it was NOT good for Nebby. See, the tree was a powerful strong tree, but it was cut down. And it was representative of Nebster himself. The powerful king would be cut down from power, until a time when he would worship God, recognizing that all kingdoms belong to God. And guess what... it all came to pass (read it in Daniel 4:28-33). And at the end of Daniel 4, Nebuchadnezzar's pride is replaced by great joy in the God, who rules over everything. If a king, who seemingly has everything can find humility and choose to rejoice in God, then surely each one of us can find the same joy in Jesus. So this week as we approach Christmas, choose joy... choose to love and be like Jesus!
CHRISTMAS EVE AT IBC IBC WILL HAVE TWO CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICES AT 3:30pm & 5:00pm. THESE SERVICES ARE FAMILY SERVICES IN THE WORSHIP CENTER. THERE IS MINISTRY AVAILABLE BY RESERVATION FOR CHILDREN AGES 3 YEARS AND UNDER. TO REGISTER, GO TO www.irvingbible.org/advent
FAMILY SERVICE AT IBC ON 12/29/19 On Sunday, 12/29, IBC's regular worship will be a family service. Children's ministry will be available only for ages 3 years and under. No reservation is required.
This week as you continue the conversation, focus on joy. Here are some starter questions.
Elementary
- Do you think Nebuchadnezzar was grateful for all that God put him through, i.e. wandering in the woods, nasty hair, gross fingernails and hygiene, eating grass?
- What are some hard things that you can take joy in? How has God brought you joy in the middle of things you didn't love?
Preschool
- Nebuchadnezzar thought he was better than God. How did he learn to give God glory?
- Does God always give us everything we want? Are there things that we want that God knows are not good for us?
- How can we be joyful even when things aren't the way we wanted?