INTRO: " John" means Jehovah has been gracious. Oh how good has God been to us, to everyone! His son, was born almost 2,000 years ago. Today I want to look at a forerunner of Christ. John the Baptist. What a great story unfolds at the birth of John. Just as he was a forerunner, we need to be one with our loved ones and friends.

Today we need to be...
1. A child of promise

1. We can let them see God has been gracious (through His Son)
2. We can let them see God is good to us
3. We can let them see God has changed our lives
4. We can let them know God can change their lives

 
We also need to be…
2. A child of practice

 
1. We need to live the Christmas "spirit" year-round
2. We need to share the Christmas "spirit" year-round
3. We need to live lives that lift up the name of Christ
4. We need an attitude that portrays the love of Christ

 
We are expected to be…
3. A child of prayer
   
   
1. Prayer should be an intrinsic (everyday) part of our life
2. Prayer for our loved ones need to be at the top
3. Prayer for God's work should be a major concern for us
4. Prayer for our leadership is what God expects
   
   
What an advantage if we become …
4. A child of praise
   
   
1. Jesus is the reason for the season
2. Jesus is the reason we can praise God
3. Jesus is coming back for us some day SOON!
4. Jesus wants to take us with Him…Are you ready to go?