Do you know about the angels? The angels serve God. We learn from the Bible that God often sends angels to be his heralds, or messengers. Before his son was born on earth, God sent one of his angels to Mary. Do you remember what the angel told her? She would be the mother of a special baby. The angel said to name the baby Jesus. The name Jesus means, “The Lord saves.” Jesus is a form of the name Joshua. In the Old Testament we read how God used a man named Joshua to lead his people into the Promised Land. Jesus would be a leader of God’s people, too. He would lead them home to God.
God, we praise you because you are the God who saves. You planned to save all of us through Jesus, whom the angel spoke about so long ago. We pray now in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Bible Readings: Acts 4:5-12; Hebrews 4:3-10
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Thanks for the readings. Lots of fun in Brooks household this morning with the Angel visiting Mary. See you at church.
Glad you followed God’s direction to write this message. Well done!
Thank you for your encouraging comment, Peggy! Happy Advent!
For Day 9, the passage from Hebrews has nothing to do with the topic of the Angels message to Mary, so I wonder if this verse is given in error or am I completely missing something?
Hi Mike! Thanks for your comment, we’re sorry to have puzzled you!
Both of the readings had to do with Jesus’ name. The passage in Hebrews 4 further describes the parallel between Joshua and Jesus, so it would correspond to the following part of the devotional for Day 9:
“The name Jesus means, “The Lord saves.” Jesus is a form of the name Joshua. In the Old Testament we read how God used a man named Joshua to lead his people into the Promised Land. Jesus would be a leader of God’s people, too. He would lead them home to God.”
I hope this helps! Merry Christmas!
That does help. I already knew what Joshua meant, so I was looking for a deeper connection. I guess that’s what happens when an adult reads into something written for children. We are thoroughly enjoying the readings. I love how the gospel message is neatly woven into them.
This is great reading. Using it for my family this year…its perfect. Thanks!