Names of Jesus Christmas Devotion (Day 8) - Lamb of God

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 

John 1:29

He was oppressed and afflicted, yet He did not open His mouth: He was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so He did not open His mouth.

Isaiah 53:7

"God has a problem, and it's a big one. He loves people but He hates sin. God is completely good and kind and loving, and He hates it when we aren't. How can He love us when He hates our sins? So God decided to solve this big problem by getting rid of our sins rather than getting rid of us. That's why He sent His Son. Jesus took the punishment for all the wrong things we do. Jesus' death took away our sins, so that now, when God looks at us, He doesn't see the sin that He hates but only the people He loves.

It is impossible to understand the title "Lamb of God" without understanding something about the practice of animal sacrifice. The sacrificial system provided a way for God's people to approach Him even though they had sinned and disobeyed His laws. When a lamb was offered its blood was shed and its body was burned on the altar. Those who offered sacrifices understood that the animal was a symbolic representation of themselves and their desire to offer their own lives to God. 

To the Jews the lamb represented innocence and gentleness. Because the lamb represented the person's pure intentions before God, the lamb had to be physically perfect."

from Praying the Names of Jesus by Ann Spangler

Discuss: Imagine that you are walking into the temple holding a young lamb in your arms. He is like a favorite pet, but now he is going to be sacrificed for your sins. How do you feel? Now imagine doing the same thing over and over because no one sacrifice can possibly take away your sins. What thoughts go through your mind? What do you think of when you think of Jesus as the Lamb of God?  

Prayer: Oh Jesus, Lamb of God, you are worthy of our thankfulness, our praise, and our worship!  Thank you for being so kind and gentle.  Thank you for your sacrifice on the cross that we may one day be with you in Heaven.  Amen

Songs: While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks, In the Bleak Midwinter

Ornaments: https://biblestoryprintables.com/themed-bible-printables/christmas-bible-printables/names-of-jesus-advent-ornaments/

Craft: Make lambs out of cotton and cardboard. Set them in a little display to remind yourselves of the Lamb of God.

Service Project Idea:  During the cold winter months, many homeless individuals could use a blanket.  You may want to participate in making and/or gathering donated blankets to take to a homeless shelter.