The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Messiah. John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” When all the people were being baptized, Jesus was baptized too. And as he was praying, heaven was opened and the Holy Spirit descended on him in bodily form like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
Luke 3:15-17,21-22

God Knows Who You Are, and So Do You!

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Have you ever been confused with somebody else? Perhaps you look like your brother or sister, and your coach, your teacher, or your pastor called you by someone else’s name? If that has happened to you, how did you respond?

Sometimes, it’s just easier to go along with it. (Maybe you don’t want the person to feel embarrassed.) But maybe you find a gentle way to correct the person. You might say, “I’m sorry, but you have me confused with someone else. My name is _______.” Then, maybe you give them a way to tell the difference.

The people in the days of John the Baptist were starting to get confused about who he was. They wondered if he was the Messiah (or, the Christ). They wondered if he was the promised Savior whom the Old Testament predicted. Did you catch how John the Baptist responded? He gently corrected them and pointed them to Jesus.

In today’s Bible reading, the triune God gives us a clear way to know who Jesus is.

When John the Baptist baptized Jesus in the Jordan River, God the Father declared, “You are my Son.” Then, God the Holy Spirit came down in the form of the dove that said, “I, the Holy Spirit, am with Jesus.” This was God’s way of making sure no one would get it confused. Jesus is the perfect Son of God, the Messiah, and the Savior.

In the same way, your baptism is God’s way of making sure no one—including yourself—gets confused about who you are.

At your baptism, when splashes of water were put on you “in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,” God declared you to be his perfect child. Ever since your baptism, Jesus has proudly declared you to be his brother or sister. The Holy Spirit promised, “I will guide you all the days of your life.” Your baptism guarantees that God knows who you are.

And it helps you to know who you are. The next time you wonder who you are, the triune God—the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit—says, “I put my name on you. You are a Christian. You are my child, and I am well-pleased with you.

God knows who you are, and so do you!

Closing Prayer:

Father in heaven, at Jesus’ baptism you made clear that he is your Son whom you love. Through your Holy Spirit, help us to remember that our baptisms have made it clear that we are your children whom you love. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• How is someone baptized?
• Who was at Jesus’ baptism?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• John the Baptist said that Jesus is “more powerful” than he was. What makes Jesus more powerful than John the Baptist?
• How does baptism change your identity?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• John the Baptist said that all people are either “the wheat” or “the chaff.” Which are you? And how do you know?
• Saint Luke tells us that Jesus was praying at his baptism. Because you are baptized, you can pray to God, too. Think of someone or a situation you want to pray for. Say a short prayer for them.

Then Paul and Barnabas answered them boldly: “We had to speak the word of God to you first. Since you reject it and do not consider yourselves worthy of eternal life, we now turn to the Gentiles. For this is what the Lord has commanded us: “‘I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.’” When the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and honored the word of the Lord; and all who were appointed for eternal life believed. The word of the Lord spread through the whole region.
Acts 13:46-49

Light for the Whole World

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

During this time of year, the amount of daylight is pretty short. Imagine living in Fairbanks, Alaska where the sun shines for only 3 ½ hours on the shortest day of the year! Light is important for a lot of different reasons.

Now imagine you’re in a dark room with a flashlight. Imagine if the flashlight was under a pillow, so only a little light got out. Not very helpful, right? But then you move the pillow away so the flashlight shines brightly, lighting up everything around.

Paul and Barnabas remind us that God’s message of love and forgiveness is like that light. At first, the good news about Jesus came to the Jewish people, God’s chosen people. But not everyone believed it. So, Paul and Barnabas shared the message with the Gentiles, people from other nations who didn’t know God’s promises yet. Paul reminded everyone that God’s plan was always for Jesus to be “a light for the Gentiles” too, bringing salvation to the whole world.

When the Gentiles heard this, they were overjoyed! Imagine hearing for the first time that God’s love isn’t just for a small group of people, but for everyone. Jesus came to save people from all nations, backgrounds, and ages. Through him, God opened the door for everyone to receive eternal life—Jews and Gentiles alike.

The same is true for us today. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection made it possible for everyone, including us, to be forgiven and have a relationship with God. Just as Paul and Barnabas were sent to share God’s message of forgiveness and love, God invites us to share it, too. We can share the good news with our friends, our neighbors, or even someone who’s never heard it before. God wants his message to be like a bright light reaching everyone, all the way to “the ends of the earth.” He wants it to shine for everyone!

How can we help that light reach others? Maybe it’s telling a friend about Jesus, praying for someone, or even helping others see God’s love through our kindness. This light of Jesus is too great and bright to keep to ourselves!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, let the good news of what you have done for all people be a light dawning on the whole world! Help us hold onto this good news and spread it wherever we go. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• How do you feel when you hear that Jesus loves everyone, including you?
• Who could you tell about Jesus this week, like a friend or family member?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Paul and Barnabas shared the message of Jesus even with people who hadn’t heard it before. Why is it important to tell others about Jesus?
• TRUE or FALSE. God’s love is for those who believe in him.

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Paul calls Jesus “a light for the Gentiles.” How does that challenge you to rethink how you interact with people who don’t yet know Jesus?
• There’s a lot of darkness out there. How might your actions and words be like a “light” to someone going through a dark time?

Every year Jesus’ parents went to Jerusalem for the Festival of the Passover. When he was twelve years old, they went up to the festival, according to the custom. After the festival was over, while his parents were returning home, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but they were unaware of it. Thinking he was in their company, they traveled on for a day. Then they began looking for him among their relatives and friends. When they did not find him, they went back to Jerusalem to look for him. After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. Everyone who heard him was amazed at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him, they were astonished. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.” “Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” But they did not understand what he was saying to them. Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart. And Jesus grew in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man.
Luke 2:41-52

Growing Up With a Twelve-Year-Old Jesus

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Have you ever been separated from your parents? It isn’t very fun to look up, look around, and suddenly realize that you can’t see them anywhere. Maybe you wandered away from Mom at the store because you wanted to look at the toys. Or Mom and Dad were so focused on something else that they thought you were right there with them. It doesn’t matter how it happened, but getting lost isn’t a great feeling. For you or your parents.

Jesus was twelve years old when he got separated from his family in the big city of Jerusalem at Passover. You’d probably feel more than just lost and a little scared in a strange city, right? But when Mary and Joseph finally found him three days later, Jesus was calm and confident. He wasn’t wandering around or getting into trouble. He was in the temple (God’s house), listening and asking questions about God.

Jesus was so special. While other twelve-year-olds might have been distracted or focused on other things, Jesus was perfect—completely focused on honoring God. He loved learning about God’s Word and amazed everyone around him with his wisdom. Jesus was showing us what it looks like to love God with all our heart, soul, and mind.

But here’s the amazing part: Jesus wasn’t just an example to follow. He was also our perfect substitute. As a 12-year-old child, a teenager, and an adult, Jesus lived every day perfectly on our behalf. When he asked questions in the temple, listened closely, and amazed the teachers, he was perfectly fulfilling God’s law for us. Jesus did everything right so that he could offer his perfect life for us, even starting as a young boy.

Knowing this gives us peace. God doesn’t love us because we’re perfect students or because we always focus on what’s right. He loves us because Jesus did all of that for us. So, as we learn and grow, just like Jesus did, we don’t have to worry about being perfect. Instead, we can follow his example, knowing that he has already done everything perfectly for us.

Closing Prayer:

Jesus, thank you for reminding us that you once were a child like us. As God’s Son, thank you for doing what we should do but couldn’t and for doing all of that perfectly in our place. Help us to honor our Father in heaven the same way you did by loving and respecting time spent in his Word and learning more about him. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• If Jesus was here right now, what questions would you like to ask him?
• Instead of scared and lost, how do you think Jesus felt when he was in the temple, learning about God?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Jesus loved learning God’s Word! When do you find yourself most interested in learning God’s Word?
• Why do you think Jesus wanted to stay in the temple, even though his parents were on their way home?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• A twelve-year-old Jesus was willing to spend time learning, asking questions, and growing in his understanding. How does his example as a preteen help you in your own faith?
• Name one way you can heighten your desire for God’s Word even when other things in life feel more exciting or important.

Read: Isaiah 50:4-9

Because the Sovereign LORD helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame. He who vindicates me is near. Who then will bring charges against me? Let us face each other! Who is my accuser? Let him confront me! It is the Sovereign LORD who helps me. Who will condemn me? They will all wear out like a garment; the moths will eat them up.
Isaiah 50:7-9

Standing Strong

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Jaimee stood with shaking knees at the edge of the diving board for the first time. He felt the eyes of everyone watching, waiting to see if he would jump. His dad was below, arms stretched out, ready to catch him. “Don’t worry,” Jaimee’s dad coaxed, “I’m right here.” Just seeing his dad and hearing him say those words gave Jaimee courage. He jumped!

In today’s Bible verses, Isaiah speaks with the confidence of someone who knows God is standing there—just like that dad, ready to catch his child and make sure he’s okay. Isaiah was surrounded by people who doubted him and tried to bring him down. People constantly questioned the message he shared from God. But Isaiah “set his face like flint,” in other words, he stayed strong and determined. Why? Because he knew that God, the Sovereign LORD, would not let him be defeated.

But Isaiah wasn’t just talking about himself. He was pointing ahead to Jesus, who would set his own face like flint toward the cross. He knew he’d face terrible suffering and rejection but went forward with confidence, knowing that God would bring victory. Jesus went to the cross not just to show his strength, but to rescue us from sin and death. When He rose from the grave, he silenced every accuser with a great big, “Sshhh!” No one can accuse God’s people because nothing stands between us and God’s love!

You may run into people who accuse you of being wrong because you believe in Jesus. But, like Isaiah, we can set our face like flint, trusting that God has our back. He knows us, loves us, and promises to be right by our side through every tough moment.

So, when you feel insecure like Jaimee at the edge of a diving board, remember that God is there like a loving parent waiting in the pool. He is ready to catch you if you fall and to protect you when others try to shame, accuse, or condemn you.

Closing Prayer:

God, sometimes we don’t live like you are always with us to speak up for, defend, and protect us. Help us to remember that Jesus came to be with us. Give us the strength and determination of Jesus to face whatever life might throw at us! Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• Describe how it feels to know that God is like a parent, ready to help you.
• Think of a time when you felt brave because mom or dad was with you.

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What do you think it means to “set your face like flint”?
• Isaiah trusted that God would protect him from his enemies. Think of a challenge or fear you have that you would like to trust God with.

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Isaiah says, “He who vindicates me is near.” How does knowing that God stands up for you give you confidence, even when others doubt or criticize you?
• When is it hardest for you to trust in God’s protection? How can Isaiah’s words give you strength?

Read: Luke 2:1-20

“Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Luke 2:11,12

Wow, a Baby!

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

The angels appeared to the shepherds in the fields. The glory of the Lord shone around them. They said to the terrified shepherds, “Do not be afraid! A Savior has been born to you! He is Christ, the Lord!”

That would have been hard for the shepherds to believe. So, the angels gave the shepherds a sign, a miracle, to help them believe a Savior had been born for them.

What kind of sign should they give? A giant fireworks show that everyone in the world could see? An army of angels blowing trumpets around the world? Some miracles like Moses did long before, with water turning to blood and seas splitting in half? Those would make people sit up and say, “Wow!”

Nope. The angels said, “This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

“Here’s your big miracle to prove what we are saying to you is true: It’s… a baby!”

“Oh… a baby… that’s great… wow… very amazing…”

What do you think? Do you ever wish God would show you big, amazing miracles to prove he is real? Do you wish that God would send an angel choir like he did on Christmas so that it is easier for you to believe?

God doesn’t do that. He gives you the same simple sign that he gave the shepherds: “You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Here’s the big, amazing sign God gives to you so you can believe: God came into this world and became truly human, just like you, a baby, just like you were once, so he could save people just like you. It may not be a miracle like splitting a sea in half, but it’s just the miracle you and the shepherds needed.

You can see that by the reaction of the shepherds and of everyone they told! “When they had seen him (the baby), they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.” They were amazed! We are, too. “Wow, a baby! A Savior, born like us, born for us, to save us all.”

Closing Prayer:

O then rejoice that through his Son, God is with
sinners now at one; made like yourselves of
flesh and blood, your brother is th’ eternal God.
(Christian Worship: Hymnal – 335:3)

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• Who appeared to the shepherds in the fields?
• What sign did the angels give them?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Why was Jesus born as a human baby just like us?
• How can you share the story of Jesus’ birth with your friends?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• What are some simple signs God gives us in church that Jesus is our Savior?
• Think of a friend or family member who doesn’t know Jesus. Practice explaining in a couple sentences why you celebrate Jesus’ birth.

Read: Luke 3:7-18

The people were waiting expectantly and were all wondering in their hearts if John might possibly be the Messiah. John answered them all, “I baptize you with water. But one who is more powerful than I will come, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but he will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.” And with many other words John exhorted the people and proclaimed the good news to them.
Luke 3:15-18

We Are Not Worthy

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

In an old movie, Wayne’s World (you can ask your parents about it), the main characters bow down in front of a famous person and say, “We’re not worthy! We’re not worthy!” This person is so much more important and famous than they are, so when they find out who he is, they bow down to him.

In Luke 3, people start wondering if John the Baptist is the important and famous Messiah, the Savior, that God had promised would come for so long. In response, John bows down at the feet of the true Messiah and says, “I’m not worthy! I’m not worthy!” Jesus is so much more important and famous than John because he’s more powerful than he is. John baptized people, but Jesus gave baptism its power. John told people about Jesus, but Jesus was the one who sent the Holy Spirit, so John and, eventually, the other disciples could talk about him.

John’s response—like the response in that movie—is a good one. “We’re not worthy! We’re not worthy!” We can’t come like the Pharisees did, thinking that they were so special that God had to let them into heaven. We’re sinners that don’t belong in heaven! We’re not worthy to even bow at Jesus’ feet! He is the perfect and powerful God. We’re not worthy!

But Jesus is also the Messiah—the promised Savior. The proud Pharisees, and all of us with proud, sinful hearts, deserve to be cut down like dead trees and thrown into the fire. But the Savior came to save people who are not worthy enough to enter heaven. He did that by bowing down and being treated like an unworthy sinner in our place. He was like a tree cut down and thrown into the fire for us. Because of that, we are worthy in God’s eyes.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, we are not worthy of all the mercies you show us. But you are a friend of sinners, and you let us live with you. Help us live in a way that says “thank you” for your mercy. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• What is the name of the group of people who thought they were better than Jesus?
• Who did people wrongly think was the Messiah?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Why did John say he is not worthy of Jesus? Why do we?
• Messiah basically means “chosen one.” What was Jesus chosen to do by the Father?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• In what ways can acknowledging our unworthiness help us appreciate Jesus?
• What can Christians say to friends who struggle with feelings of unworthiness?

Read: Philippians 1:3-11

I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Philippians 1:3-6

Bringing It Home

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Do you know what it means to “Finish strong”?

If a runner doesn’t finish the race strong, they might slow down at the finish line and lose the race. If you give up on homework halfway through, your grade will suffer. It’s important not just to work hard but to work hard all the way up until the task is complete. That’s why coaches encourage runners to finish strong and teachers encourage students to work hard on the whole assignment.

When Paul prayed for the church in Philippi, he prayed for a strong finish. He wanted his partnership with the Philippians to last all the way to the very end so that everyone in that congregation could enjoy a blessed reunion with him in heaven someday. But Paul isn’t playing the part of coach, or teacher for the Philippians. He played the role of pastor, and he prayed that God would finish strong.

God is the one who began the good work in each one of us: he gave us faith to believe in him. And because God is the one who began this faith in us, he is the one that keeps us in it—and he is the one that will bring it all the way to completion. What does it look like when faith reaches its completion? It looks like heaven! One day, we will be able to see Jesus with our own eyes and see God face-to-face. In heaven, we no longer need faith. Our faith becomes sight! So, Paul prays that all his beloved church members would reach that day—he prays that God would complete their faith and bring them to heaven forever.

The Advent season is a wonderful time of year to pray for a strong finish to faith. As we look ahead to Jesus’ return, we have confidence in knowing that Jesus is the one who began the good work in us…and he is the one who carries it to completion. We’ll get to bring it home to heaven because of Jesus’ perfect work!

Closing Prayer:

God in heaven, we pray for a strong finish. Help us to run this race of life. Bring us across the finish line. We are so excited to see you with our own eyes! Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• How is life like a race?
• What is waiting for us across the finish line of the race?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Paul thanked God for the partnership of the Philippians. Whose partnership do you thank God for?
• Jesus came to this earth to finish the work of saving us. What will he do when he comes again?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Why is it so great to have other Christians running this race alongside us, like Paul and the Philippians?
• Why is it so comforting to know that our finish doesn’t depend on us, but on God?

The word of God came to John son of Zechariah in the wilderness. He went into all the country around the Jordan, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. Every valley shall be filled in, every mountain and hill made low. The crooked roads shall become straight, the rough ways smooth. And all people will see God’s salvation.’”
Luke 3:2-6

Prepare the Way for the Lord!

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Prophets had an important job in the Old Testament. One of God’s prophets was tasked with preaching and teaching to the people, sort of like a pastor. But prophets had the added responsibility of telling the people about the promises of God that would come true in the future. Prophets especially had the job of telling people about the coming Savior. They had to get the people ready to meet that Savior when he arrived!

John the Baptist had this same role. Sometimes people call him “the last Old Testament prophet,” even though we read about him in the New Testament. But John was blessed in a way that no other prophet had been—John got to prophesy the coming of the Savior AND see that Savior also arrive.

John knew that Jesus was just around the corner, so he preached boldly, and he preached without apologizing: Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near. Make straight paths for Jesus. Clear out all the debris and brush that’s blocking the way. Jesus is going to be entering into the world and into your heart. What would make it difficult to reach you? Find out what those things are and get rid of them. Bring your sins in prayer to God. Confess your selfishness to him. Make the highway to your heart as clear as possible so Jesus can ride straight in!

The words of John the Baptist are very much for us today. Jesus comes to us in his Word. Are we ready to receive him, or is the highway to our hearts blocked by something? Jesus is coming again on the Last Day, but are our eyes open to see him?

The good news is that no matter what, Jesus is coming with the salvation that he promised. Whatever debris and brush that still blocks the way, he’ll clear it. Whatever mountains and valleys make his arrival harder; he’ll level them. We look forward to his arrival and do everything we can to clear the path in advance—because we want him to reach us every day!

Jesus is coming. How cool is it that we get to prepare the way for the Lord! Come, Lord Jesus!

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus, we love seeing you in your word, and we look forward to seeing you with our eyes. Give us the faith to clear the path for you into our own hearts and into the hearts of everyone we know. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• What kinds of things make it hard to walk on a sidewalk?
• What kinds of things make it hard to pay attention to God’s Word?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What kinds of preparations are you making for Christmas celebrations?
• What kinds of preparations can we make for Jesus the other 11 months of the year?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Why is repentance such an important aspect of preparation for Jesus’ arrival?
• Why was John the Baptist’s work so valuable in God’s plan?

How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you? Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith. Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you. May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.
1 Thessalonians 3:9-13

Absence Makes the Heart Grow Fonder

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

“Absence makes the heart grow fonder” is a phrase that has been around for so long because it’s true! Absence DOES make the heart grow fonder. It means that if you are far away from someone, you will miss them; even though it’s hard to miss someone, it’s proof that you love them. Your heart might ache because you don’t get to see that person, but that heartache tells you something about the way you feel about them.

When Paul wrote these words, he was describing that feeling. He missed the Thessalonian church and wanted to be with them. His heart hurt for them, but that hurt was a blessing that reminded him just how thankful he was for those people. What hurt perhaps the most is that he wasn’t sure if he would see the Thessalonians again.

Paul missing the Thessalonians reminded him of someone else he had not seen in a while, someone else he was missing. That person was Jesus. But while Paul didn’t know if he was going to get to see the Thessalonians again in this life, he knew two things: 1) He knew he would see every single member of that congregation again in heaven, and 2) He knew that he would see Jesus again at his second coming and for the rest of eternity.

We might not be in the Thessalonian church that Paul was writing to, but we know what it’s like to miss people that we love and what it’s like to wait for Jesus to arrive. So, we can listen to Paul’s encouragement to that congregation and be confident in the same things: we will one day be reunited with all our brothers and sisters in Christ because we know that Jesus is on his way to take us to be home with him forever.

In the meantime, it’s okay to let absence make the heart grow fonder. We will take Paul’s prayer to heart, “May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and everyone else . . . may he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes.”

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus, although we cannot see you with our eyes, we know that you are with us every single day. Until you come again, make our hearts grow fonder and increase our love for one another. In your name we ask it. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• Who is someone that you are looking forward to seeing again?
• When will we get to see Jesus again?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Think of someone that you miss and fill in the blank: “I can’t wait to be with __________ again!”
• Think of how Jesus feels about you and fill in the blank: “Jesus can’t wait to be with ____________ again!”

Questions for Middle School and Above

• What is a time in your life that you really felt the phrase “absence makes the heart grow fonder”?
• We know Jesus isn’t really “absent,” but how is the statement still true about our relationship with Christ?

Read: Mark 13:26-37

[Jesus said] “At that time people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. . . But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.”
Mark 13:26,32,33

Be Ready for Jesus!

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

After Thanksgiving, people put lights on their homes, festive garlands around door frames, and Christmas trees and decorations in their living spaces. These are signs that tell us Christmas is coming! They tell us it’s time to celebrate Jesus’ coming to earth as a baby.

As we’ve already discussed in our devotions this week, Jesus has promised that he is coming again to gather all believers and all those who have died in faith to take them to heaven. Sadly, unbelievers and those who died in unbelief will be sent to hell.

God has given us some signs to know that judgment day is coming. Unlike the signs of Christmas, these things are not enjoyable—wars, famines, earthquakes, and false teachers. Can you see some of them happening in the world today? That means Jesus could come at any time. We don’t know when this day is coming or when our last day on earth will be. So now is the time to be ready for Jesus’ return.

How can we be ready for Jesus’ return? In today’s Bible reading, Jesus tells us to keep watch, be on guard, and be alert. That means we need to stay focused on our reward—heaven. Just like running a race requires you to keep your head up, eyes looking ahead, and focus on your end goal. Jesus wants you to do the same as you look forward to eternal life with him.

Don’t lose sight of what God has prepared for us—distracted by all the activities and busy schedules in your family! Stay focused with eyes on Jesus. That way, you can really see and enjoy the blessings he has given us. Here’s what helps keep you focused: hear and learn his Word, keep his promises in your heart, and pray for strength and perseverance as you wait.

Judgment day will be an event of great joy for believers. Mark tells us that Jesus will come with great power and glory. How magnificent that will be! What a comfort it will be to see our Savior face-to-face and be with him in heaven! We definitely want to be ready for that!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, keep us ready for your return by keeping our eyes focused on our heavenly goal. Help us not to fear that day, but to look forward to it with joyful anticipation because we know our eternity is with you. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• When will Jesus come again?
• What will Jesus do when he comes again?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Name some of the signs that judgment day is near.
• Discuss how we can be ready for that day.

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Think about your normal daily routine. How can you incorporate things in your day to stay focused on your heavenly goal?
• We may look at the world around us and be fearful of what we see happening. Why do we need not fear?

Read: Isaiah 51:4-6

Lift up your eyes to the heavens, look at the earth beneath; the heavens will vanish like smoke, the earth will wear out like a garment and its inhabitants die like flies. But my salvation will last forever, my righteousness will never fail.
Isaiah 51:6

Keep Your Eyes on the Skies

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Away from city lights, with their eyes looking up to the dark summer sky, the young family marveled at the number of stars they could see. Constellations, millions of stars, and even the subtle white band of the Milky Way could be spotted that dark night. Their conversation turned to how amazing and powerful God is that he put all those stars in the sky and allowed humans to see them from his created earth.

It must have been similar to the sky Abraham saw when God promised him that his offspring would be as numerous as the stars in the sky. Abraham looked up at the night sky filled with so many stars that he couldn’t possibly count them! (Genesis 15:5). As we remember how God fulfilled this promise and many others to his Old Testament believers, we can be assured that God fulfills his promises to us, too. His promises never fail!

Yet, we are still waiting for one promise to be fulfilled—Jesus’ return to earth. Waiting for that day for him to come and take us to heaven can be hard. That’s why God tells us to “lift up your eyes to the heavens.” Jesus will come back on the clouds to gather all believers to himself on the Last Day. While we wait, God wants us to focus on things that will help us prepare for heaven so “Don’t lose sight of what I have in store for you!” he says.

So, we make use of family devotions like these. We make worship a part of our daily lives. We pray together. We serve one another with the gifts God has given. We feed our faith with God’s Word and let him fill us up with his grace and the promise of his forgiveness, life, and salvation. We ask God to help us wait for him and the heaven he has prepared a place for us.

God sure has shown his beauty in the skies above us. From rainbows to solar eclipses, “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies declare the work of his hands” (Psalm 19:1). None of that compares to the glories we will have in heaven when we are forever with the Lord!

Closing Prayer:

O Lord, keep us in your grace until you take us to be in heaven with you forever. How we long for that day! Until it comes, help us to share this saving message with others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• Where do we hear God’s promises to us?
• While you wait for Jesus’ return, what can you do (hint: look up … remember God’s promise!)?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What promise are we waiting for God to fulfill?
• Why can we be certain Jesus will come back to take us to be in heaven with him?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Discuss what makes waiting for Jesus’ return difficult?
• How can we encourage each other as we live our lives for Jesus and wait expectantly for his return?

Read: Hebrews 9:24-28

Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.
Hebrews 9:27,28

Something to Get Excited About!

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Who is the one person who makes you feel safe? Who is the one person that when you are with them, everything just seems right in the world, no matter what is going on around you? Maybe it’s your mom, dad, grandparent, sister, brother, or friend. That’s the person you want with you when things are tough, when you’re waiting at the doctor or dentist, when you’re touring a new school, or when you’re facing something scary or sad. No matter how difficult something may be, it’s easier with that one person by your side.

I want you to imagine a scene that’s a little scary. You’re sitting in a courtroom. But you’re not just sitting in the room; you’re on trial for something you’ve done wrong! Now, you’re at the mercy of the judge. He decides whether you’re innocent or guilty, whether you’ll be punished or can go free.

It may give comfort to have that one person who loves and cares about you and makes everything a little better sitting in the room. But what if that person isn’t just in the room? Instead, that person who loves and cares about you is the judge? That would certainly change the way you think about being on trial, wouldn’t it?

Our focus this week is judgment day—when all people will be judged. Today’s Bible lesson changes the way we think about that day. God’s Word reminds us that we can be excited about and long for this day, like a vacation that’s happening next week or like the best day of your life is about to happen.

Why is judgment day a good thing? Because of Jesus. Because all the bad things we’ve ever done were already paid for by Jesus on the cross. Being a Christian means believing that you’re judged as holy in God’s sight because of Jesus. It means you are safe because your loving God is your judge.

For believers who are waiting for Jesus—you and me—judgment day is simply salvation day—the day when Jesus brings us to heaven. That’s something to be excited about!

Closing Prayer:

Dear heavenly Father, keep us always connected to Jesus and his saving Word that we might remain strong in the faith and ready for your return. Give us the courage to share your saving gospel with others. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• What is a judge?
• What did Jesus do to make you holy?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Why don’t we need to be afraid of judgment day?
• Agree/Disagree: I get ready for judgment day by being good and not sinning.

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Explain why it is important to know that God is our judge?
• Why do you think God gives us these details about judgment day?

Read: Read Mark 12:38-44

Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”
Mark 12:41-44

Give It All

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Ben wants to do something nice for his mom on her birthday. He really wants to get her some flowers, but he’s not old enough to drive. Even if he could, he wouldn’t have the money to buy a single flower. But this doesn’t stop him. The next morning, he wakes up early and walks inch-by-inch across his backyard to pick only the best dandelions. He comes bursting through the door and says “Mommy, I love you! Happy birthday!” She loved the gift from her son because he gave her everything he had to offer.

The same woman’s husband is on his way home from work and thinking, “You know, I really should get some flowers for my wife on her birthday. However, I’m already running late, but if I stop at the store, I’m going to miss the kickoff of the football game. Maybe I can just grab some of those yellow flowers growing in the middle of the yard.” He walks into the house with a big smile and hands his wife a handful of the very same flowers she loved from her son. Which gift will she appreciate more?

Those two gifts are the same in one way—what they gave. In the way that matters, in the attitude, they were very different, right?

In our Bible reading today, we learn about a woman and her attitude toward God. A poor widow goes into the temple, and when it comes time for the offering, she puts in two copper coins. It was only a few cents compared to the many dollars of the rich people, but it was all the money she had! With her gift, she displays complete and total trust in God for her next meal, next breath, and next day. That is total and complete trust, physically and spiritually. This woman has given it all to God.

We can be generous, just like Ben and the widow, giving back in every way with our gifts, time, and money, trusting that our good and mighty Savior, who gave us forgiveness of sins and heaven, will meet all our smaller needs as well.

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, lead us to put our trust in you to provide all we need each and every day. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• What does it mean to put our trust in God?
• Why do we give an offering in church every Sunday?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Who in the Bible story was more generous, the widow or the rich people? Why?
• The widow in today’s story gave everything she had. Does that mean that we need to give God all of our money each week? Explain.

Questions for Middle School and Above

• How does Jesus’ forgiveness change the way you think about your money, time, and talents?
• Come up with three ways you can use your gifts to serve Jesus (1 church, 1 home, 1 school).

Read: 1 Kings 17:8-16

She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family. For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the LORD spoken by Elijah.
1 Kings 17:15,16

God Provides, So Be Generous

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Has there ever been a time in your life when you didn’t have enough food? When the shelves in your house were bare, and your family didn’t have money to buy anything? Has that ever happened to you? For most of us, we always have enough. We have never had to ask the question, “What are we going to eat today?”

But that was a question in Elijah’s day. Elijah lived in Israel about 2,800 years ago. At that time, the Israelites, led by the wicked King Ahab, were worshiping false gods. So, God sent a drought to show them who the true God was.

Since there was no food in the land, God provided for Elijah in another way. He sent him to a town called Zarephath, “I have directed a widow there to supply you with food.”

There was one problem: this widow didn’t have any food either, just a little flour and oil. It must have been hard for that widow to be generous with Elijah and share her food. But she had faith in God to provide, so “She went away and did as Elijah had told her,” And “The jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry.”

When you hear a story like this, it makes you think, “Wouldn’t it be cool if our jar of flour never ran out?” But if you think about it, it doesn’t! There’s always more food to fill our cupboards, and our refrigerators are full. Why? God provides. Sometimes, he uses miracles. But usually, he uses parents. You know that your parents will provide you with what you need.

The widow knew she had a Father in heaven who would provide for her so she could be generous with Elijah. This can be our attitude, too! We know we have a loving Father because he gave us his only Son, Jesus, to forgive our sins and make us his own.

When we see God’s love for us in Jesus, it changes everything. If God was willing to do the biggest thing for you, do you think he’ll do the small things, too? Of course! When we know those truths, it sets us free from worrying about ourselves, so we can use the gifts that God gives us to be generous with others.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Father, lead us to trust in you to provide for all our needs in this life. In Jesus name, Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• Who provides everything we have (food, clothes, house, etc.)?
• Why does God give us all these things?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Why does God want us to give offerings to him? Is that true even for children?
• Come up with some ways that you can be generous with the gifts that God has given you.

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Agree/Disagree: God is going to provide for me anyway, so it doesn’t matter where and how I spend my money.
• Why do you think Jesus taught us to pray, “Give us today our DAILY bread?”

Read: Read Revelation 20:4-6

Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years.
Revelation 20:6

You Will Live and Reign with Christ

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Where am I STARTING?

That is an important question if you want to get to your destination. If you are heading to Topeka, Kansas you might know that you need to take Interstate 70. But it makes a difference where you are starting from as to whether you’ll drive east or west on I-70. If you are in Denver, you’d go east. If you are in St. Louis, you’d head west.

It’s an important question to ask as we hear today’s word of God. If we have the wrong starting place, we might end up with some confusion about what is being told to us here. So, where are we starting?

The Bible teaches us that at the start of life, we are born alive but spiritually dead in sin. The Bible says that when a person hears the good news of Jesus and believes in him as their Savior, the Spirit of God has raised that person to a new life. That’s faith. This is what John refers to as the first resurrection. It means YOU are part of the first resurrection! It also means you get to live and rule with Christ for a “1,000 years.” Wow, that sounds like a really long time! Doesn’t it? And it’s true, the time between Jesus’ ascension into heaven and when he finally returns to take his people home to heaven has already been a long time—that’s about 2,020 years and counting.

That’s why it’s important to ask, “Where am I starting?” Each of us has already started our lives on earth. Every start of life has an end to life. We will all die physically. Nobody likes to talk about death, but the Bible talks a lot about it because God doesn’t want you to be afraid of it. We’ll cease to breathe, and our souls will separate from our bodies. We could call that the first death. But don’t be afraid because Jesus will raise our bodies in the second resurrection. And we need not ever fear the second death either. We’ll never be separated from God because we’ve been made fully and eternally alive in Jesus, over whom death no longer has any power.

But now, “Where are we going?” Here’s the cool thing—believer in Jesus. By faith, you are part of what’s called the “communion of saints”—those who get to go and live and reign with Jesus in the palace of heaven, in a life that knows only joy, peace, and no end.

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank you for making me alive in you. Help me take great comfort and joy in knowing that I live and reign with you, now and forever. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• Describe what you think heaven will be like.
• True or False. The Bible doesn’t want us to be afraid of dying.

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Today’s devotion talked about the first resurrection. What is it?
• How does a person take part in the first resurrection?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• What does the number 1,000 represent in Revelation? What does it not mean?
• Read John 5:24-29. How do those words of Jesus help us understand these words of Jesus?