Christmas Devotion (Day 4) - Everlasting Father

For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders.  And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
-- Isaiah 9:6

From the time of creation until about 2,000 years ago, no one had ever seen God. This all changed that Christmas night when Jesus was born to this earth. John 1:18 tells us "No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is Himself God and is in closest relationship with the Father, has made Him known."

God wanted the people He created to actually be able to see Him and know Him on this earth. What an amazing concept! He loves us so very much and He desires that we would love Him. He knew that it is easier to love someone that you have seen. When Jesus walked on this earth, He showed people what God is like; that He is our everlasting Father.

Why a Father? Caring, loving, protective, one who provides for and takes care of his family, giver of counsel and wisdom...these are all attributes of a good father. They are all attributes of our Heavenly Father. They are all attributes of Jesus. Jesus said: "I and the Father are one." John 10:30 and also that "Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father." John 14:9 He modeled the attributes of a perfect Father while here on earth as He pointed the way to Heaven where one day, all those who believe in Him, will be able to spend eternity with their Everlasting Father.

Songs: Sweet Little Jesus Boy by Casting Crowns, O Come All Ye Faithful

Ornaments: http://www.biblestoryprintables.com/…/Bible…/NamesJesus1.pdf

For Discussion: The name and it's meaning. How it applies to Christ. What makes a good father? How is Jesus like this? you may also wish to discuss the importance of having a father-figure in a person’s life and whether or not another male figure can substitute for a biological father’s absence.

Craft: Make an evergreen wreath. The wreath is "eternal." It is circular having no beginning and no end. Evergreens symbolize eternal life. Hang a wreath in your home for Christmas

Service Project Idea:  A couple of things spring to mind here.  You could either focus on the actual fathers in your own family and create a special card or gift for them; or, you might have an older child research organizations such as “Big Brothers” that tries to meet the needs of children who do not have a father figure in their lives.  At that point you may also wish to discuss the importance of having a father-figure in a person’s life and whether or not another male figure can substitute for a biological father’s absence.

Prayer:  This may be a perfect time to introduce or re-introduce memorization of the Lord’s Prayer, paying particular attention to the term “Our Father.”