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

I love a translation I read recently that used “Father forever” for Everlasting Father.  What a great way to help kids understand that concept. 

Hearing the children talk about things that seem to take (or last) forever, like waiting for mom to make dinner, shopping in Costco, waiting for dad to get home from work to play, and of course- Christmas morning, I got a real sense of their understanding of forever.  Or I thought I did…

When I asked the follow up question- what REALLY lasts forever, even 4k/K kids had a great understanding that nothing does- except God.  They understood that things expire, go bad, wear out, or even die. They also understood that God is forever.  He has always been and will always be. 

Think about that in terms of a Father. We never outgrow Him, we never get too old to be taken care of by Him, we are never so grownup that He says, “You’re on your own.”  Jesus - what a great comfort to know that He is our Father forever.  
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort.” 2 Corinthians 1:3

This Week’s Announcements:
1. Christmas Services and Times:
a. Christmas Eve- We will have one service on December 24th at 5pm. We will meet in the new performing arts building at Marietta High School.  This is a family service so parents and kids of all ages will worship together.
b. Christmas Day- We will celebrate the birth of our King on Christmas at 11am in our sanctuary.  This is also a family service so parents and kids of all ages will worship together.  *It’s okay for kids to come in their PJ’s if they are just not ready to get dressed yet!
2. Attention Kindergarten – 2nd grade PathFinders: Grab your PJ's, your robe, your slippers, and your pillow....It's time for our annual PILLOW AND POP! PARTY.  Friday, January 8, 6:30pm-8:30pm, in our 164 space.  Registration is required and is only open until Monday, January 4th.  Click the link to sign up: http://www.signupgenius.com/go/20F0E45A8AE22A75-pillownpop

What God is Teaching Us:
For 4k-5th Grade: Click the link below to see this week’s Advent lessons.
This link is no longer available
As ARMED meets Advent, we will continue to learn a new memory verse each week.  This week’s verse:“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort.” 2 Corinthians 1:3

FAMILY TIME:
If your family would like a guide to reading through Scripture during the Advent Season, we would love to share some great resources with you.  Each week on the blog, I will list some suggested readings for the days between one blog and the next.  *Also- I’ve included some links to other resources if you want a more in depth way of leading your family through the season.  Enjoy this special time of year!
PATHFINDER ADVENT SCRIPTURE READINGS: (DEC. 14-20)
Dec. 14th- Luke 2:1-7
Dec. 15th- Luke 2:8-12
Dec. 16th- Luke 2:13-14
Dec.17th- Luke 2:15-18
Dec. 18th- Luke 2:19-20
Dec.19th- Matthew 2:1-2
Dec.20th- Matthew 2:3-6

Other resources for Advent:
Focus on the Family has LOTS of great Advent reading plans: http://www.focusonthefamily.com/parenting/holidays/making-meaningful-christmas-memories/celebrate-advent
This is one of my favorite ideas- learning the names of God through Advent!  This one is also hands-on because you can make an ornament each day with the names.
http://kojo-designs.com/2011/12/advent-ornaments/
And…lastly, if you love the Jesus Storybook Bible like I do, then you’ll love this resource. This is a free printable guide to using this special Bible during Advent.
http://www.faithgateway.com/jesus-storybook-bible-advent-calendar-printable/