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JMG1169
Narrator 1: The long night of anguish and hopelessness continued as Israel awaited
the promised Messiah – heaven's perfect gift to the world.
Narrator 2: The perfect gift! How does one patiently await or prepare for the arrival
of such a gift?
Narrator 1: All of us – children and adults alike – can recall that moment when we
received the perfect gift; that long-anticipated or unexpected gift which
exceeded our fullest expectations!
Narrator 2: It was that hope to which the children of Israel were clinging as they
awaited their promised King.
Narrator 1: Faithful prophets continued their bold proclamations of the Lord,
offering words of encouragement and hope as God directed them.
Narrator 2: Those walking in darkness have seen a great light. Those dwelling
in a land of deep darkness, on them has a light shone!
Narrator 1: For to us a Child is born, to us a Son is given; and the government
shall be upon His shoulder, and His name shall be called Wonderful
Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, (music begins)
Prince of Peace.
Narrator 2: And yet, they waited. Even with words of hope and promise, Israel's
long night continued as the people yearned for the dawning of a new
day; the arrival of heaven's gift; the coming of a divine Messiah.
