Guiding Reflection Question

As we begin this new season, how do we recognize God’s purpose in our lives when we feel uncertain, unprepared, or pulled in many directions at once?

Lesson Focus

This first lesson of Unit 1 introduces the truth that our calling and identity begin with God’s intention, not our readiness, and are revealed as we respond to His voice.

I Have Three Points for Today’s Lesson

1. Created with Intention

Scripture: John 1:1–5 Our lives originate in God’s design, not chance, reminding us that purpose existed before we did.

2. Called Before We Feel Ready

Scripture: Jeremiah 1:4–8 God speaks purpose into our lives even when we feel inadequate or unsure.

3. Becoming Who God Says We Are

Scripture: John 1:9–13 Our identity is shaped by receiving God’s truth about us, not by fear or self-doubt.

Gratitude for the future is an act of faith.

When we thank God in advance, we are not ignoring reality—we are declaring trust.

We are saying that His promises are trustworthy, His presence is secure, and His plans are good—even before they unfold.

This kind of gratitude doesn’t come from certainty. It comes from confidence in who God is.

Today’s lesson is especially meaningful because it is the final lesson in our Living with Gratitude unit.

Over this journey, we have learned how to be thankful for what we have, what we’ve survived, and what God has already done.

Now, we close by learning how to live with gratitude for what is still ahead.

So today, I have three points I want to make.

Subtopic 1: Gratitude for God’s Ongoing Work

Thanking God because He is not finished with us

New Testament Scripture: Philippians 1:3–6 (ASV)

Subtopic 2: Gratitude That Replaces Anxiety About the Future

Thanking God instead of worrying about what’s ahead

New Testament Scripture: Philippians 4:6–9 (ASV)

Subtopic 3: Gratitude for God’s Promised Future

Thanking God because His plans are purposeful and hope-filled

Old Testament Scripture: Jeremiah 29:11–14 (ASV)

As I unpack today’s lesson, I want you to keep this question in mind:

What would change in my life if I thanked God today for what He has not yet revealed?

Because God loved us so profoundly, He did not remain distant—He came near. The birth of Jesus is more than a seasonal celebration; it is the divine declaration that God keeps His promises and chooses to be present with His people. From Isaiah’s prophecy of Immanuel—“God with us”—to John’s proclamation that the Word became flesh, Scripture reveals a God who steps into our world, carries our burdens, and shines light into our darkness.

Gratitude grows when we recognize that Jesus’ coming was not accidental or last-minute—it was intentional, foretold, and driven by love. The God of heaven wrapped Himself in humanity so that we might know Him, receive Him, and live as His children. As we prepare our hearts for Christmas, we are reminded that the greatest gift is not what God gives us, but God Himself dwelling with us.

Lesson Point 1 — The Light That Came Near

John 1:9–14

Gratitude flows from recognizing that God loved us enough to step into our world and dwell among us as the true Light.

Lesson Point 2 — The Gift of Saving Love

John 3:16–19

We express gratitude because God’s love moved Him to give His Son so we could receive eternal life and walk in His grace instead of condemnation.

Lesson Point 3 — The Promise Kept

Isaiah 7:13–16

We are grateful because the birth of Jesus fulfills God’s promise of Immanuel—proof that God is faithful and chooses to be with His people.

“As I unpack today’s lesson, I want you to ask yourself this question: How does the promise and fulfillment of “Jesus’ birth” invite me into deeper gratitude for God’s love?”

Today’s lesson was brought to you by V.T. Adams Speaks—

A progressive ministry teaching the ways of Christ through a spiritually-centered and mental-health-informed approach, using scripture as guidance.