Today’s Journey to the Manger introduced us to Isaiah the prophet.

Isaiah lived during dark times. His people, the Israelites, were oppressed and frightened. Some even felt like God had abandoned them. As a family, we could relate to being scared and facing our fears. We split up into two teams and drew pictures of things that made us feel afraid. Snakes, the dark, bats, mice, spiders, water and skeletons made our lists.

God knows our fears, and He knew what the Israelites faced during Isaiah’s days. God chose to speak words of hope and redemption to Isaiah to share with those who had given up. God revealed His plan to come to Earth to personally rescue them from their sin.

Therefore, the Lord Himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive, have a son, and name him Immanuel, God With Us.

– Isaiah 7:14

God is with us! We don’t have to be afraid. God loved us so much that He came here to save us. Tonight, we wadded up our fear drawings and threw them in the trash, because our God is bigger than our fear. We can trust in His love and His plan.

Click here to learn more about celebrating Advent with your family this Christmas, including access to a Scripture plan, free downloads and activity ideas. For more on Journey to the Manger, an advent experience from Focus on the Family, visit the Thriving Family website.