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Read: John 1:29-41

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29

It’s Good to Point!

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

Parents teach their children many important lessons. One lesson kids often hear early on is: “It’s not nice to point.” Pointing can be rude. It can hurt someone’s feelings. So parents remind kids to keep their fingers to themselves.

But here’s something interesting. Sometimes pointing is actually a very good thing. Think about babies and toddlers. Before they can talk, what do they do? They point! They point to toys. They point to snacks. They point to things they want you to see. Pointing means, “Look at this—it’s important!”

In today’s Bible lesson, God was very happy with two people who pointed. The first was John the Baptist. Whenever John saw Jesus, he wanted everyone to notice him. So he said loudly and excitedly: “Look! The Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” John wasn’t being rude. He was helping people see their Savior.

Another person who pointed was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. Andrew didn’t use his finger either—but he used his words. He ran to Peter and said: “We have found the Messiah!” Both John and Andrew pointed people to Jesus—and God praised them for it.

Now think about this question together: Who pointed you to the Lamb of God? Was it your parents—when they brought you to be baptized, brought you to church, or prayed with you at home? Was it a teacher? A pastor? A grandparent? A friend? Christians love to point to Jesus because only good things happen when people look to him. Jesus loves when people point to him!

That’s important, because sometimes we forget to look at Jesus. We rush away from the dinner table without stopping to thank Jesus. We let sports, screens, or homework take over time we could spend with God’s Word and prayer. We let scary or sad things make us forget that Jesus is always with us. When that happens, God lovingly sends people to point us back to Jesus again. And Jesus doesn’t get tired of that. He keeps forgiving. He keeps loving. He keeps staying with us.

Now here’s the exciting part: You can be a pointer too. You can be a modern-day John the Baptist. You can be a 21st-century Andrew. You can point your parents, your friends, your classmates, and your teammates to Jesus, the Lamb of God who takes away their sins too.

Yes, sometimes pointing can be rude. But pointing to Jesus is loving. Pointing to Jesus is helpful. Pointing to Jesus helps people know they have a Savior.

Prayer:

Dear God, you pointed me to my Savior through many different people. Give me opportunities to point others to Jesus as the Lamb of God who takes away all sin. 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

• Why do parents usually tell kids not to point? Why is pointing to Jesus different?
• Who has helped point you to Jesus? (Parents, teachers, pastors, friends?)

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What is one Bible story you really like listening to or talking about? Why do you like that one?
• If a friend wondered, “Does God really forgive me?” what Bible story could you share?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• What would you do if you pointed someone to Jesus, but they didn’t believe right away? (Who could you pray for? What could you keep doing?)
• What makes you feel nervous about talking about Jesus? What could help calm those nerves?

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Read: Matthew 3:13-17

“This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:17

Anointed and Appointed

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

When Jesus was baptized, something amazing happened. The Holy Spirit came down on Jesus like a dove, and God the Father spoke from heaven. God said, “This is my Son, whom I love. I am very pleased with him.” That’s a big moment! God was showing everyone that Jesus is special. Jesus is God’s chosen Savior. There is no guessing here. God tells us clearly who Jesus is.

But there is a question we might ask: Why did Jesus get baptized? Jesus never sinned. He didn’t need his sins washed away like we do. So why did he do it? Jesus answered that question himself. He said it was right to be baptized “to do everything God wants done.” That means Jesus was obeying God perfectly—for us.

A long time ago, kings were chosen by having oil poured on their heads. That was called being anointed. Jesus wasn’t anointed with oil. He was anointed with the Holy Spirit. At his baptism, God was saying, “This is the one I have chosen.”

God tells people to be baptized. So Jesus obeyed that command too. He obeyed every rule perfectly—so we don’t have to. Jesus lived a perfect life for us, and one day he would give that life on the cross. And God would be pleased again.

Here’s the amazing part for us: Because of Jesus, baptism is special for us too. Baptism is not just a symbol. It is something God does. In baptism, God forgives sins. He gives new life. He makes us part of his family.

When you were baptized, God chose you. He made you his child. He anointed and appointed you too. That means you belong to him and get to live for him. Just like God said about Jesus, he also says about you: “This is my child, whom I love. With this child, I am pleased.”

Prayer:

Dear Holy Spirit, thank you for bringing us to faith in Jesus through the precious waters of baptism. Help our family remember our baptisms and live as people who belong to you, and the Father, and the Son. 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

• Do you know when you were baptized? (Parents can help tell the story!)
• What is one fun or special way your family could remember your baptism each year? (Cake? Prayer? Candle? Story time?)

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• When is your baptism date?
• What is one thing that was the same about Jesus’ baptism and your baptism? (God’s name, water, God’s promises)

Questions for Middle School and Above

• What does God give you in baptism? (Forgiveness, new life, God’s family)
• Because you are baptized, what is one loving (or spiritual) thing you can do this week?

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Read: Isaiah 42:1-7

“Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him, and he will bring justice to the nations.” Isaiah 42:1

God’s Handpicked Champion

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

Cameron walked onto the playground, excited for field day kickball. As a team captain, he got to pick his team. He looked around and thought, “Who runs fast? Who kicks hard? Who catches the ball?” He wanted the very best team. But picking was hard. What if he chose the wrong person? Cameron kept wondering, “Did I pick the right teammate?” Only time would tell.

Waiting a few months can feel long. Now imagine waiting 700 years! That’s longer than your great-great-great-great-grandparents ago. That’s a really, really long time. If we had to choose a champion 700 years ahead of time, we would get nervous and change our minds.

But God is different.

The prophet Isaiah wrote these words 700 years before Jesus was born: “Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight.” God was saying, “This is the one I choose.” God didn’t guess. He didn’t worry. He already knew the perfect champion.

God had been talking about this champion for a very long time. He promised Adam and Eve a Savior. He promised Abraham a Savior. He promised through Isaiah. And then he sent his Son, Jesus. Jesus is God’s forever choice. His name “Christ” means “the Chosen (Anointed) One.”

Jesus did what no one else could do. He obeyed God perfectly. He died on the cross for our sins. And he rose from the dead. That means Jesus defeated sin, the devil, and death—for us! God picked the perfect champion, so we never have to wonder if we are safe.

God’s choice is good. And Jesus is our champion.

Prayer:

Dear Father in heaven, thank you for sending your Son to be our champion over sin, Satan, and death. Lead us to keep on trusting in him alone for our salvation. 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 many champions did God need to pick to save us from our sins?
• What did Jesus do to become the champion over sin and the devil?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Was God ever worried that Jesus wouldn’t win? Why or why not?
• Why did God wait thousands of years to send our Savior from sin if he already knew who the Savior would be? (Hint: Galatians 4:4-5)

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Why is it good that God chose Jesus instead of letting us choose?
• Can you think of times in the Old Testament when God reminded his people that he was going to send a Savior.

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Read: Ephesian 3:2-12

Surely you have heard about the administration of God’s grace that was given to me for you, that is, the mystery made known to me by revelation, as I have already written briefly. In reading this, then, you will be able to understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which was not made known to people in other generations as it has now been revealed by the Spirit to God’s holy apostles and prophets. This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and sharers together in the promise in Christ Jesus. Ephesians 3:2-6

The MYSTERIOUS Light

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

Have you ever read a mystery book—or watched a mystery show—where you’re trying to guess what’s going to happen next? You look for clues. You make predictions. You keep thinking, “I wonder how this will end?” That kind of mystery keeps you guessing right up to the very end.

But when God talks about a “mystery,” he means something very different. God’s mysteries are not puzzles you have to solve. They aren’t only for super-smart people. They don’t depend on you finding the right clues. And they aren’t secrets God wants to hide from you.

God’s mystery is actually GOOD news meant to be shared. God’s mystery is the light of Jesus. Jesus came not just for one group of people, but for everyone—people from every country, language, and family. Jesus came to shine God’s truth like a bright light so everyone could see it.

This truth is called a mystery because we could never figure it out on our own. The Holy Spirit shows it to us and helps us believe it. Because you trust in Jesus, you get to see amazing things in his light! In the mysterious light of Christ:

• You see that God loves sinners and gives them grace—even when they mess up.
• You see that Jesus washes away sin and gives eternal life.
• You see that God keeps his promises and has a place in heaven for you.
• You see why the Bible matters—God uses it to grow your faith and teach you how to live.
• You see that you can talk to God anytime and ask for forgiveness, help, or strength because of Jesus.

That’s a LOT to see—and it’s all because of Jesus’ light!

And here’s the best part: None of these gifts come from being extra good, extra smart, or extra strong. They are gifts from God—the Creator of everything—freely given to you.

God doesn’t want your life to feel like a confusing mystery book. He wants you to know that you are loved. He wants you to know where you are going—heaven! And he wants to guide you with his wisdom every day until you get there.

That’s why the Bible is so important. Keep reading it. Keep listening to it. God uses it to fill you with the “riches of Christ” and to help you grow wiser and stronger in faith.

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for bringing us into your family through the glorious mystery of Jesus. May we be true servants of this gospel and shine your light so others can see your love too. 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

• Because you know Jesus’ light, you can pray to God. What’s the number one thing you would like to pray for today?
• Who are some people you can pray for right now—at school, at home, or in your family?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Long ago, many people thought God’s promises were only for one group. Why do you think it was surprising that Jesus came for everyone?
• What did Jesus do to show that God’s love is for all people?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• What are some simple ways you can keep learning more about “the unsearchable riches of Christ”?
• How does knowing the “riches of Christ” (Jesus loves and forgives you) make it easier to talk to God when you mess up or feel worried?

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When they had gone, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream. “Get up,” he said, “take the child and his mother and escape to Egypt. Stay there until I tell you, for Herod is going to search for the child to kill him.” So he got up, took the child and his mother during the night and left for Egypt, where he stayed until the death of Herod. And so was fulfilled what the Lord had said through the prophet: “Out of Egypt I called my son.” When Herod realized that he had been outwitted by the Magi, he was furious, and he gave orders to kill all the boys in Bethlehem and its vicinity who were two years old and under, in accordance with the time he had learned from the Magi. Then what was said through the prophet Jeremiah was fulfilled: “A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.” After Herod died, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt and said, “Get up, take the child and his mother and go to the land of Israel, for those who were trying to take the child’s life are dead.” So he got up, took the child and his mother and went to the land of Israel. But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father Herod, he was afraid to go there. Having been warned in a dream, he withdrew to the district of Galilee, and he went and lived in a town called Nazareth. So was fulfilled what was said through the prophets, that he would be called a Nazarene. Matthew 2:13-23

There’s Something About This Baby

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

Imagine a grandpa talking about his eleven grandchildren. He might say: “She sure is something!” or “He sure is something!” Sometimes it’s just a little laugh from a baby. A silly joke from a toddler. A great math test from a 3rd grader. Or a hustle play in basketball from a middle schooler.

Grandkids sure are something!

King Herod thought the same thing—but in a bad way—about the baby born in Bethlehem. People were calling him the “King of the Jews,” wise men had come to worship him, and now Herod felt outsmarted. There sure was something about this baby! But Herod didn’t like it—so he tried to get rid of Jesus.

Yes, there really is something special about this baby—and God wants you to know it.

• God made sure Jesus was kept safe. Angels spoke to Joseph three times to guide him.
• God fulfilled prophecies—from Hosea (Matthew 2:15) and Jeremiah (Matthew 2:18)—even the one that Jesus would be born in Bethlehem.
• Jesus was protected so he could grow up, obey God’s law, die for our sins, and rise again to give us forgiveness and heaven.

So, what makes this baby so special? God himself became a child so that you could be called a child of God! That’s why, yes, there’s definitely something about this baby Jesus!

Prayer:

Dear Lord, we thank you for working throughout history to accomplish our salvation. Lead us to marvel at your grace, your protection, and your love for us in Jesus. 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

• God used Joseph to help keep Jesus safe. What blessings has God given you to keep you safe?
• Because God kept Jesus safe as a baby and a child, what did Jesus do later in his life to keep you safe from sin?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• With adult help, look up a map online. Can you find Bethlehem, Egypt, and Nazareth? How far do you think Joseph, Mary, and Jesus had to travel?
• Today’s Bible verses show that God fulfilled prophecies about Jesus as the Messiah. Can you explain what a “prophecy” is?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Matthew mentions real places and people. How does that help you trust the Bible is true?
• Herod did terrible things, but God still used it for good. Can you think of other times in the Bible—or in your own life—when something bad turned into a blessing?

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I will tell of the kindnesses of the LORD, the deeds for which he is to be praised, according to all the LORD has done for us—yes, the many good things he has done for Israel, according to his compassion and many kindnesses. He said, “Surely they are my people, children who will be true to me”; and so he became their Savior. In all their distress he too was distressed, and the angel of his presence saved them. In his love and mercy he redeemed them; he lifted them up and carried them all the days of old. Isaiah 63:7-9

I Can’t Wait to Tell!

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

Think about when you come back to school after Christmas break. What’s the first thing everybody does? They tell stories! Stories about presents, fun trips . . . stories about cousins who stayed WAY too long.

We like telling the good parts of our break. We don’t usually say things like, “I fought with my brother,” or “I spilled hot chocolate everywhere.” We like to talk about the happy things!

The prophet Isaiah reminds us that we can do the same thing when we talk about Jesus—we can tell the good news about him!

• Tell about his mercies. Even when you and I mess up and sin, Jesus says, “I forgive you.” Every time. And that forgiveness is for your friends too!
• Tell of the reasons to praise the Lord. Life isn’t always easy. Some days are hard. But look around—God gives you so many good things: food, family, clothes, a bed, friends, a school, a Savior. That’s a LOT to thank him for!
• Tell about what Jesus has done. Jesus cared for you so much that he became:
  • your Savior in the manger,
  • your Savior on the cross,
  • your Savior who rose from the empty tomb,
  • and your Savior ruling in heaven right now!

Here’s the best part: God says to you, “Surely you are my people.” That means, “You belong to me. I love you. I won’t leave you.” So whether the rest of your break is super fun, kind of boring, or a little tough, Jesus is with you. He carries you. He will not let you go. You can trust that because he has also told you that the baby in the manger is your Savior.

And THAT is something worth telling others!

Prayer:

Dear Lord, thank you for telling us in your Word all the wonderful things you have done for us. May we always remember these truths, that we would tell your praises and mercies to those who need to hear them. 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 are some good things the Lord has done for you this week? Which one makes you smile the biggest?!
• Who can you tell about those good things? What would say to that person?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• In verse 8, the Lord tells us that he became your Savior. How does Jesus born a tiny baby show he came to be your Savior?
• What’s one simple way you can talk about Jesus this vacation week—at home or with a friend?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• God says, “Surely you are my people.” How can those words help you when you are feeling down?
• Think of a friend who’s having a tough time. What could you tell them about the Lord’s mercies to help them feel better?

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For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all people. It trains us to reject ungodliness and worldly lusts and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope, that is, the glorious appearance of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. He gave himself for us, to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people who are his own chosen people, eager to do good works. Titus 2:11-14 (EHV)

Jesus Cleans Us Up—Just Like Dawn Soap!

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

During the school year, we get some breaks—like Christmas break, Easter break, and summer break. Breaks are a time to take a rest from the usual schedule and enjoy something different. Learning is important, but so is rest, fun, and spending time with family and friends.

When a break starts, what will you do with that free time? Sometimes, there are plans already. Other times, we have to decide how to use our free time. If we don’t think about it, we might end up doing nothing and feel like we wasted our break.

Jesus gives us a different kind of freedom. It isn’t freedom from school—it’s freedom from a life controlled by sin. Sin is all the ways we make bad choices, act selfishly, or ignore God. The freedom Jesus gives us isn’t just a “break” before we have to deal with sin again—it’s freedom to live a new life following him.

Jesus has saved us from sin. We are free! But what will we do with this freedom? God calls us to live for him and do good things.

Here’s a way to understand it: an old soap commercial—Dawn soap. The power of Dawn soap isn’t just for dishes. There was an oil spill in the ocean, and many birds got covered in oil and couldn’t move. People came and washed the birds with—you guessed it—Dawn soap and hot water. The commercial shows the birds flying away and free.

In the same way, Jesus cleaned us from sin and guilt. His cross and blood free us to do the things God made us to do! We can:

• Care for others with Christian love
• Praise God with happy hearts
• Respect and honor those God puts in charge
• Speak kindly to others
• Be thankful for what God gives us

All of this is possible because Jesus made us clean and pure.

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for cleaning us from sin and guilt and giving us freedom to live for you. Holy Spirit, help us use our freedom to do good things, love others, and praise you with happy hearts. Thank you for saving us and being with us 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

• Who saved us from all sin and guilt?
• How can we learn more about God?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• How did Jesus make us clean from sin and guilt?
• Name three “good things” (works) you want to do this week to help others.

Questions for Middle School and Above

• How can we live self-controlled, upright, and God-pleasing lives right now?
• We are not saved by doing good works. Then why do we do them?

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While John was in prison, he heard about the things Christ was doing. He sent two of his disciples to ask him, “Are you the Coming One or should we wait for someone else?” Jesus answered them, “Go, report to John what you hear and see: The blind receive sight, the lame walk, those who have leprosy are cured, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the gospel is preached to the poor. Blessed is the one who does not take offense at me.” As these two were leaving, Jesus began to talk to the crowds about John. “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken by the wind? What did you go out to see? A man dressed in soft clothing? No, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. So what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you! And he is much more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written, ‘Look, I am sending my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you.’ Amen I tell you: Among those born of women there has not appeared anyone greater than John the Baptist. Yet whoever is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. Matthew 11:2-11 (EHV)

Are You the Coming One?

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

There’s a famous children’s book called Are You My Mother? Maybe you’ve read it! It’s about a baby bird who hatches while his mom is gone. So, he climbs out of the nest and starts asking all kinds of animals and even machines, “Are you my mother?” But they all say, “No!” Finally, the baby bird gets lifted back into his nest, and his real mother comes home. They are happy together again!

We aren’t baby birds, and John the Baptist wasn’t either. But John was looking for someone—the Coming One, the Savior God promised.

But here’s the strange part: John the Baptist already knew Jesus! He even baptized Jesus. He heard God’s voice say, “This is my Son, whom I love.” He saw the Holy Spirit come down like a dove. So why would John ask Jesus, “Are you the Coming One?”

Maybe John wasn’t doubting, maybe he was just tired of waiting. He was stuck in prison and probably wished Jesus would save him right away. Or maybe John wanted his followers to learn the truth themselves by going to Jesus and asking. Whatever the reason, we know what happened: John sent two of his helpers to Jesus to ask, “Are you the Coming One?”

And Jesus didn’t just say, “Yes.” Instead, he told them to look at what he was doing—making blind people see, deaf people hear, lame people walk and telling the good news to the poor. All those miracles matched the promises in the Bible. So the answer was clear: Jesus IS the Coming One!

John’s job was always to point people to Jesus. He wanted everyone to know the Savior.

We can do that too. Many people still wonder, “Who is Jesus?” With our lives, words, and church family, we can point to Jesus—the One who came to save us, forgive us, and lead us to eternal life.

Prayer:

Jesus, you are the Coming One whom God promised. You help us see the truth, walk in faith, and one day you will raise us to live with you forever. Make our faith stronger and help us share the good news with others—at Christmas and all year long. 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 did John the Baptist send to Jesus to talk to him? (His disciples.)
• What question did they ask Jesus? (“Are you the Coming One?”)

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• How can our church do the same kind of work John the Baptist did? (By pointing people to Jesus, teaching about him, sharing God’s Word.)
• Name a few miracles Jesus did that showed he is the Savior—the Coming One. (Helping blind people see, lame people walk, sick people get better, calming storms, feeding crowds.)

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Why didn’t Jesus just say, “Yes, I am the Coming One”? Why did he answer the way he did? (He wanted them to see the proof—his miracles matched God’s promises.)
• How did John the Baptist prepare the hearts of people for Jesus’ arrival? (He told them to repent, be baptized, and look for the Savior.)

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Read: Isaiah 35:1-10

The wilderness and the desert will be glad. The wasteland of the Arabah will rejoice and blossom like a crocus. It will bloom lavishly, and there will be great joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon will be given to it. It will be excellent like Carmel and Sharon. They will see the glory of the LORD, the majesty of our God. Strengthen the weak hands, and make the shaky knees steady. Do not be afraid. Look! Your God will come with vengeance. With God’s own retribution, he will come and save you. Then the eyes of the blind will be opened, and the ears of the deaf will be unplugged. The crippled will leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute will sing for joy. Waters will flow in the wilderness, and streams in the wasteland. The burning sand will become a pool, and in the thirsty ground there will be springs of water. There will be grass, reeds, and rushes where the haunts of jackals once lay. A highway will be there, a road that will be called the holy way. The impure will not walk there. It will be reserved for those who walk in that holy way. Isaiah 35:1-8 (EHV)

The Great Heart Superbloom

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

Have you ever seen a place that looks super green, like a giant forest? The Smoky Mountains are like that—so many greens it looks like someone used every crayon in the box! If you go to a place like Zion National Park, you’ll see tons of browns and tans—still beautiful, just different.

But then there’s Death Valley. Most of the time, it looks dry, empty, and kind of plain. It’s like the world’s biggest “nothing-to-see-here” desert. But something amazing happens once in a while. When it finally gets enough rain, everything changes. Suddenly, colorful flowers pop up everywhere—yellow, orange, purple, pink—like the desert got a giant surprise party! This is called a “superbloom.”

Sometimes our lives feel a little like that dry desert. We might feel sad, lonely, or worried—like our hearts don’t have much color in them.

But Jesus changes everything. The Bible says he’s our “living water,” which means he refreshes our hearts just like rain refreshes a desert.

In the book of Isaiah, it talks about things Jesus did. He made blind people see, deaf people hear, and people who couldn’t walk get up and move again! But Jesus didn’t just fix bodies. He made a way for us to get to heaven—a special road for God’s people called the “holy way.”

We weren’t always on that road. We were stuck in our “sin desert,” with no way out. But God didn’t leave us there. The Holy Spirit used God’s Word and baptism to plant faith inside us—like tiny seeds that bloom into beautiful flowers.

Because of Jesus, we can walk with God now—and someday we’ll go to heaven, a place where sadness runs away and joy and happiness chase us down!

May God help our faith grow and bloom forever. Amen.

Prayer:

Jesus, thank you for being our living water. You make our hearts come alive—like a big, beautiful superbloom. Help us remember that all our joy and faith come from you. Thank you for saving us and redeeming 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

• Who gets to go to heaven? (Help kids focus on: “Everyone who believes in Jesus as their Savior.”)
• Who helps us believe in Jesus by working through God’s Word and baptism? (The Holy Spirit!)

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• The Bible says there will be no more crying or sadness in heaven. What happy things will “overtake us”? (Talk about joy, laughter, peace, excitement.)
• As believers in Jesus, why don’t we need to be scared about the future? (Jesus is with us, loves us, and already knows the way.)

Questions for Middle School and Above

• How is having faith in Jesus like a “superbloom”? (Faith makes our hearts full of color, life, and joy—just like rain brings flowers to the desert.)
• What does it mean to be “ransomed” by the Lord? (Jesus paid the price for our sins so we could belong to him forever.)

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Read: Romans 15:4-13

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13

The Best Is Coming

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

What gifts are you hoping for this Christmas? Did you make a list? Do you know for sure you will get them? Maybe. Maybe not. That’s called uncertain hope. You hope for it, but you’re not 100% sure.

God gives us a different kind of hope. In Romans 15:13, the apostle Paul wrote: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

God’s hope isn’t like hoping for a gift you might get—it’s confident and certain. You can count on it! Hope is expecting good things to come because God keeps his promises. How do we know the best is coming? We look at the stories in the Bible.

• Abraham waited a long time for God’s promise of a son—and God kept it.
• God rescued the Israelites from slavery in Egypt.

All these stories tell us one thing: God keeps his promises.

At Christmas, we celebrate the greatest promise kept: Jesus came to be our Savior. And because Jesus kept his promise to die for our sins, we don’t need to be afraid when he comes back as our judge.

Advent isn’t just about waiting for Christmas—it’s about looking forward to Jesus’ return with confident hope. No fear, only peace. No worry, only joy. Fill your heart with the good news of Jesus and remember: the best is yet to come!

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank you for always keeping your promises. Send your Holy Spirit to fill us with joy and peace in Jesus. Forgive us for the times we forget to trust you. Help us to look forward with hope to Jesus’ return. Come, Lord Jesus, come. 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 gifts are you hoping to get for Christmas?
• Why is Jesus the best gift of all?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• How does reading the Bible give you hope?
• What promises does Jesus give you for the future?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Are there times or things that make you feel sad or discouraged? What are they?
• How does hoping in Jesus help you feel better when you’re discouraged?

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As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.” This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: “Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.’” The disciples went and did as Jesus had instructed them. They brought the donkey and the colt and placed their cloaks on them for Jesus to sit on. A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road. The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted, “Hosanna to the Son of David!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Hosanna in the highest heaven!” When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, “Who is this?” The crowds answered, “This is Jesus, the prophet from Nazareth in Galilee.” Matthew 21:1-11

The Greatest Victory Parade

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

What do a July 4th parade, a Thanksgiving parade, a Christmas parade, and even a Super Bowl victory parade all have in common? They celebrate something!

A long time ago, on a Sunday, there was a very different kind of parade for Jesus. It didn’t have marching bands or big floats, but people were shouting praises and making a special procession for him. They laid palm branches and coats on the road in front of Jesus to honor him. But why?

The Bible tells us in Matthew 21:4-5, “This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet: ‘Say to Daughter Zion, see, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey.’” The people shouted praises because they recognized Jesus as their King!

But what kind of king was he?

Jesus rode into Jerusalem as a gentle king. He didn’t come to take power or force people to follow him. Later that week, he wore a crown of thorns, not gold. He came to pay for the sins of the world, not to demand anything from us.

Jesus is a very different kind of king. He loves you even when you don’t always listen. He rules all things for your good, even when you think you know better. Sometimes we try to make up our own rules—that’s called sin, and sin must be punished.

Here’s why we can praise Jesus just like the people in that parade: Jesus is a king who came to serve, not to be served.

• As your King, he serves you through his Word and sacraments.
• As your King, he watches over you and protects you.
• As your King, he rules over everything for your good.
• And most importantly, he paid the price so you can be with him forever in heaven.

Next time you see a parade, think of Jesus. Think of the greatest victory parade when he rode into Jerusalem as your King—and then went to the cross to win the victory over sin, death, and the devil.

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for being our humble King. Forgive us for the times we don’t want to follow you. Help us listen to you and trust that you are always caring for us and protecting us. Thank you for winning the victory over sin and death! Help us praise you with our words and actions 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 did Jesus ride into Jerusalem? Why did he ride that way?
• Jesus is your King. What does he do for you as your King? (Protects, cares, serves, guides, forgives—anything you can think of!)

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Make a list of all the things Jesus does for you as your King.
• How can you show your gratitude to Jesus? (Pray, obey, tell others, love people, share God’s Word.)

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Why is it comforting to know that Jesus is your King?
• Why does Jesus want you to follow him? (Because he loves you and wants what’s best for you!)

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Read: Isaiah 2:1-5

“Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the temple of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.” Come, descendants of Jacob, let us walk in the light of the LORD. Isaiah 2:3,5

The Light of CHRISTmas

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

Are you excited to celebrate Christmas? Why? Maybe you love opening presents, giving gifts, or spending time with family. But before Christmas even gets here, do you like decorating your house or your bedroom with lights, trees, or ornaments?

Now imagine someone really important is coming to your house for Christmas—like Grandma or Grandpa. Would you want your room to be clean? (Probably!) Would you want the house to look nice and decorated? Of course!

For Christians, the time before Christmas is called Advent. Advent means “coming.” It’s the season when we get our hearts ready to celebrate Jesus’ birth. It also reminds us that Jesus is coming again someday as our King. Just like we get ready for Christmas by decorating our homes, we want to get ready to meet Jesus when he comes again.

Some people feel afraid when they think about Jesus coming back—because they don’t believe he’s their Savior. But you don’t have to be afraid! Hundreds of years before Jesus was born, the prophet Isaiah told God’s people to “walk in the light of the Lord.” That’s how they could be ready to meet Jesus—and not be scared. And when you walk in Jesus’ light, you don’t have to be scared either.

So, what does it mean to “walk in the light”? It means believing in Jesus, trusting his Word, and letting his truth guide us. The Bible says sin is like darkness—it messes things up, hurts relationships, and makes life harder. Think about it: Has sin ever brought darkness into your life? Have your words or actions ever hurt someone else?

This week, when you see all the Christmas lights, remember that Jesus is the Light of the world. His Word shines into our hearts. As our King, he protects and takes care of us until we see him in heaven. As our Savior, he shines forgiveness into our lives, helping us love, forgive, and bring peace to others—just like Isaiah wrote about.

Prayer:

Thank you for being the Light of the world. Please forgive us when we sin and bring darkness into someone else’s life. Shine your truth into our hearts so we can love and forgive others, just like you love 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

• Do you like decorating your house for Christmas? Why or why not?
• How can we be ready to meet Jesus someday? (Faith, trust, staying close to his Word, living as his children.)

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• How did Jesus bring God’s light into the world? (By teaching, healing, forgiving, dying for us, rising again.)
• How can you shine God’s light to others? (Kindness, helping, forgiving, sharing Jesus, encouraging someone.)

Questions for Middle School and Above

• How do you feel about meeting Jesus face to face someday? (Excited? Curious? Comforted?)
• What does it mean to “walk in the light,” and why is it important? (Following Jesus, trusting him, living in his forgiveness.)

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Read: Revelation 22:6-13

The angel said to me . . . the time is near. Let the one who does wrong continue to do wrong; let the vile person continue to be vile; let the one who does right continue to do right; and let the holy person continue to be holy.” “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done.” Revelation 22:6-13 (selected verses)

Save the Best for . . . Now!

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

Two kids are at home while their mom goes grocery shopping. She leaves them a list of chores—empty the dishwasher, clean their rooms, and feed the dog. They know she’ll be home in an hour, but they wait until five minutes before she gets back to start everything. Then they have to race around like crazy to finish!

In our Bible reading today, Jesus talks about the day he will return to take all believers home to heaven. But here’s the difference: we don’t know exactly when Jesus will come back. It could be in an hour . . . or a week . . . or twenty years! Jesus doesn’t tell us the time. But he does tell us how to live while we wait.

In the reading he says, “Let the one who does right keep doing right, and let the holy person keep being holy.” In other words, Jesus doesn’t want us to suddenly start doing the right thing only when we think he’s almost here—like waiting until the last minute to do chores. He wants us to live our faith every day—right now!

Sometimes we think things like:

• “I’ll be nicer to my brother when I’m older.”
• “I’ll tell someone about Jesus when I’m better at it.”

Our sinful nature tries to convince us that we can wait later to do what God wants.

But let’s think differently: Let’s start doing the right thing now—and keep doing it all the way until the day we see Jesus in heaven.

Because Jesus died for us and the Holy Spirit works in our hearts, we can live holy lives today. We can live with thankful hearts and show our love for God every day—not just at the last minute! We can love our neighbors, listen to parents and teachers, and share the good news about Jesus—right now!

Prayer:

Dear God, we do not know when you will return, but we know we want to live for you every day until then. Through your Holy Spirit, help us to show love to everyone around 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

• What chores do you have at home? Do you ever try to do them at the last minute?
• What is one way you can live for Jesus today? (Big or small—kindness counts!)

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• If doing good things doesn’t save us, why do we still want to do good things until Jesus returns? (Hint: thankfulness, love, and faith!)
• What is a reason someone might say they “can’t” share God’s Word right now? (Too nervous? Don’t know what to say? Afraid of what friends think?)

Questions for Middle School and Above

• The reading calls believers “holy,” but we know we’re sinful. How can both be true? (Hint: Jesus makes us holy!)
• What makes it hard for you to “do what’s right” sometimes? (Feelings, temptations, friends, habits—anything!)

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Read: Luke 21:5-19

[Jesus] replied: “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them. When you hear of wars and uprisings, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.” Then he said to them: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven. But not a hair of your head will perish. Stand firm, and you will win life. Luke 21:8-11,18-19

The Ultimate Promise Maker

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

Many, many years ago, long before Jesus was born, God made a promise to his people: He would send a Savior to rescue the world from sin. He made many very specific promises about where Jesus would be born, who his mother would be, and what would happen when Jesus died. He even made a promise about Jesus’ clothes. And every single one of those promises came true. God kept them all.

Did you know that God’s promises are still coming true today? In Luke chapter 21, Jesus told his disciples that there would be wars, earthquakes, sicknesses, and times when people run out of food. If you watch the news, you can see that these things are happening, just like Jesus said. Jesus also told his disciples that people would be mean and hurtful to people who believe in God. You might have seen that happen in your own life.

As sad and scary as these things can be, they remind us that what Jesus promises will always happen. Jesus said that bad things would happen, and they do—they happen every day. But Jesus made an even more important promise: anyone who believes in him will go to heaven when they die. And if Jesus’ promises about wars and earthquakes have come true, then his promises of forgiveness, salvation, and eternal life will certainly come true too.

Jesus told his disciples not to be afraid when these scary things happen. Instead, he told them to trust God and stand firm. When bad things happen during this life—like when others make fun of us for believing in Jesus or when someone we love gets sick—we can remember that we have a greater home waiting for us in heaven. In heaven, there will be nothing sad, scary, or sinful ever again. We will live with Jesus forever. You can stand firm on that fact, because you know that what Jesus promises has always come true, and that’s not going to change.

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, help us not to be surprised by scary things that happen in our world. Give us confidence in the incredible promise: you have won for us eternity with you in heaven. 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 are some things that scare you?
• Do we have to be afraid when scary things happen? Why not?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Why is it important that God has never broken a promise?
• How are the bad things we see happening in our world a good reminder?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• What is your favorite promise from God?
• God promises to use believers as tools to share the news of salvation. How can you do that in your life?

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Read: Malachi 4:1-6

“Surely the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace. All the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble, and the day that is coming will set them on fire,” says the LORD Almighty. “Not a root or a branch will be left to them. But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. Malachi 4:1-2

Heaven Is Better Than Ice Cream

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

Tears ran down Jeremy’s red, messy face as he slammed the back door and ran across the yard. There was a little hiding spot between the shed and the fence, and he squeezed inside, curling up tight and hugging his knees. Jeremy was scared. His dad had asked him to clean up the living room before Grandma and Grandpa came over, but Jeremy didn’t want to. When his dad asked again, Jeremy exploded. He shouted that he was sick of doing chores and even called his dad mean names he knew he shouldn’t have said.

Now, sitting behind the shed, Jeremy felt awful. His stomach hurt—not from food, but from guilt. He knew he had done wrong. He knew he should have listened and obeyed. And he knew he deserved to be punished.

While Jeremy was thinking about how long he’d probably be grounded—no video games, no dessert—he heard footsteps crunching on the grass. His dad peeked into the small space and sat down next to him.

Jeremy turned his tear-streaked face toward his dad. “I’m sorry, Dad,” he whispered. He braced himself, waiting to hear the punishment. But instead, his dad wrapped him in a big, strong hug. “I forgive you,” his dad said softly. “I already cleaned the living room for you. Now come inside—your grandparents are here, and we have ice cream.”

Wow. Jeremy deserved punishment, but he got love instead.

That’s just like what God does for us! We do bad things too—we disobey, we say mean words, and we don’t always love others the way God wants us to. We deserve punishment for our sins—yes, even to be separated from God forever. Malachi described it as a day that sets us on fire. How awful!

But, instead of punishing us, God forgives us. “The sun of righteousness will shine with healing in its rays.” Jesus took our punishment when he died on the cross. Because of him, God hugs us instead of punishing us. He gives us forgiveness, love, and forever life in heaven—which is way better than ice cream!

Prayer:

Jesus, thank you for dying on the cross for me so I don’t have to fear punishment. Thank you for forgiving me and promising heaven—something better than anything I can imagine! 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 do we get from God instead of punishment? (Hint: Romans 6:23)
• What are some of your favorite things—ice cream flavors, games, or places? Why is heaven even better than all of those?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Have you ever committed a sin too big for God to forgive? (Hint: 1 John 1:9)
• How does knowing God forgives you make you feel?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• If God forgives our sins and promises us heaven, why do we still sometimes get punished here on Earth?
• Since God forgives us, how does he want us to treat people who hurt or upset us? (Hint: Ephesians 4:32)

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