The Christmas Story Through African EyesPrøve

# This Child Will Bring Joy ## From an Africa Study Bible proverbs and stories note: A Cameroonian proverb translates to say, “The cry of a baby restores beauty even to the withered breast.” Traditionally in Africa, it was a great loss for a woman never to give birth and nurse a child. The gift of a child brought joy and hope to the mother, father, and entire community. It was a cause for great celebration! Isaiah received a message about a Son who would be born as a gift of God to his people. This child would be Jesus, born of Mary and of the Holy Spirit. He would be called such names as “Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6). We rejoice that God used one of our favourite and most beautiful and important life events—the birth of a child—to manifest his presence in a broken world. More than any other child, Jesus brings joy and hope to humanity. He will bring an end to war and usher in a new era of peace and justice. ## Today: We can now call the Christ child “Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace”. What are some of your favourite names for God and why do you love them? Pray now, using one of these names for God.