Read: Exodus 19:1-8

You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession.
Exodus 19:4,5

Chickens and Eggs, Blessings and Obedience

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

Which came first—the chicken or the egg? It’s a fun question that teaches us something about the order of things. Go ahead and debate it for a moment, just for fun! Then let’s apply it to today’s Bible reading.

In our reading, God assembles the people of Israel and asks them for their obedience. Listen again: “…If you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then … you will be my treasured possession” (verse 5). In other words, “Be good, and you’ll be blessed.”

That doesn’t sound too hard to do, does it? Maybe we’ve heard or said these things:

• “Be good and we’ll go to the park.”
• “Be quiet and you’ll get extra recess.”
• “Eat your dinner and I’ll give you a cookie.”

So it’s easy to hear today’s Bible reading and think, “I want to obey and be good because I want God to bless me.”

But like the chicken and the egg, which comes first—the obedience or the blessing?

What really helps to answer that question is verse 4: “You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself.”

This verse comes before the part about obedience. God reminds the people of Israel what he has already done for them. There they were trapped and suffering in Egypt—their freedom taken away by harsh masters. But God rescued them and brought them safely to a place where they could live freely. All this God did before he asked the people to live as his obedient children. First, he rescued them and made them his family. Then he asked them to obey and live like the special family members they were.

We are like the people of Israel. Without Jesus, we would be trapped in our sins, in a life without hope. Jesus rescued us from sin and death and carried us into his grace. By faith in Jesus, we are treasured and loved as members of God’s family. Now, God asks us to live as thankful children.

Do you see the real reason we obey God (or our parents, or others in authority)? Because we are loved, now we can show love in return.

So which comes first—the blessings or the obedience? The blessing of God’s grace comes first. Let’s remember the true order of things and live as grateful children.

Closing Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we thank you for rescuing us and giving us the chance to live as your treasured children. Help us live with gratitude and obedience. In Jesus’ name we pray. 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 know that God loves you?
• Name a way you want to show your love for God.

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Reread Exodus 19:4 and compare it with Galatians 3:23-27. How did you become a child of God?
• Name two choices you can make in life that demonstrate to others that you are a thankful child of God.

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Describe the difference between obeying for a reward and obeying out of love and thankfulness for God’s grace.
• Discuss the meaning of this phrase: “God’s grace is free, but it is not cheap.” How does understanding the value of God’s grace motivate your Christian living?

 

 

Read: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31

God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong.
1 Corinthians 1:27

Striving to Be Foolish and Weak

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

Foolish. Weak. What do you think of when you hear these words? Do you feel like you want to be foolish and weak, or would you rather be wise and strong? That’s a silly question, isn’t it? You go to school every day so that you can be wise instead of foolish. You eat healthy foods and get enough sleep so that you can be strong instead of weak. Who would want to be foolish or weak if they could be wise or strong?

The apostle Paul gives us a surprising answer to that question. He says that God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise and the weak things of the world to shame the strong. Why? Why would God choose weak or foolish things when he could have something strong or wise instead? Does God actually want you to be foolish and weak? Yes…and no…

God doesn’t want you to stop going to school so that you can be foolish. He doesn’t want you to eat junk food all day and stay up all night so that you can be weak. He does want you to remember where your strength and wisdom come from, though.

Trying to be wise and strong on your own apart from God isn’t going to get you very far. Instead, that attitude will bring you to shame sooner or later. You’ll eventually run into a problem you can’t solve or a task you can’t tackle, a problem or a task where your own wisdom or strength just isn’t good enough. But when you turn to God for your wisdom and strength, you can be confident that he’s walking alongside of you and giving you everything you need to live a life of faith.

Relying on God for your wisdom and strength might make you look weak and foolish to those around you. They might say that it doesn’t make sense to believe in God. Nothing could be further from the truth! Jesus must have looked foolish and weak to the world when he was hanging on the cross, but that’s how he saved us. So when you appear foolish and weak to the world, when you turn to God for your wisdom and strength, you’re doing exactly what God wants you to do. Without God, you have nothing. With him, you have everything!

Closing Prayer:

Dear God, thank you for being my wisdom when I am foolish and my strength when I am weak. 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

• Would you rather be foolish and weak or wise and strong?
• Who should you rely on for your strength and wisdom?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

•  Agree or disagree. God wants you to be foolish and weak.
• Why might you look foolish or weak to the world when you rely on God?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• In Philippians 4:13, the apostle Paul says, “I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me.” Explain what he means.
• What would you say to someone who says, “It doesn’t make sense to believe in God”?

 

 

Read: Matthew 4:12-23

As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. “Come, follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will send you out to fish for people.” At once they left their nets and followed him.
Matthew 4:18-20

Answer the Call

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

Katie loves her dad. She loves it when he swings her up on his shoulders when he comes home from work, and when he helps her with her homework after a long day at school. She especially loves when he tackles home improvement projects on the weekend. He often lets Katie follow him out to the garage or down to the basement when he works on something. There, he takes the time to explain what he’s fixing, patiently answering all of her questions, and showing her what she can do. Katie loves her dad, and she loves answering his call to come and help.

It’s easy to imagine Peter and his brother Andrew feeling the same way in today’s Bible reading. Jesus had already been preaching in the area where they were fishing, so it’s possible Peter and Andrew had heard Jesus before and maybe even met him. But that day was different. That day, Jesus came right up to them and spoke to them. That day, Jesus called them to leave their nets and catches of fish behind and instead come fish for people. That day, Jesus called Peter and Andrew to follow him.

And so they did! The two fishing brothers left their nets at once—immediately—and followed Jesus. They didn’t hesitate or wonder how they were going to earn a living now or try to sell their fishing supplies. They left everything to follow Jesus and trusted that he would show them how to fish for people.

You don’t get to see Jesus face-to-face or hear his voice in the same way that Peter and Andrew did, but Jesus still calls you today. He calls you to be his child through his Word. He calls you to learn more about him by reading the Bible and listening to your pastor at church. He calls you to follow him by doing your best to live according to his teachings and commands. He calls you to fish for people by telling those around you about him and how he came to earth to save us from our sins. And one day, Jesus will call you home to heaven where you will get to see him face-to-face and hear his voice.

Are you ready to answer the call? You don’t have to leave everything like Peter and Andrew did—just remember that Jesus is the most important part of your everyday life. And he calls you to fish for people too!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for calling me to be your child. Be with me as I daily carry out your call to fish for people. 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 job did Peter and Andrew leave to follow Jesus?
• What job did Jesus call Peter and Andrew to do?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Why might it have been scary for Peter and Andrew to answer Jesus’ call?
• What does it mean to fish for people?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Why is it important that Peter and Andrew left their nets at once—immediately—to follow Jesus?
• Why is it important for you to answer Jesus’ call to fish for people?

 

 

Read: Isaiah 8:19–9:4

The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.
Isaiah 9:2

Better Than a Flashlight

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

Have you ever been in your house at night and had the power go out? It can be scary when this happens, especially if you’re in your room all by yourself. You’re suddenly surrounded by thick darkness, and sometimes you can’t even see your hand in front of your face. Every noise seems louder, every shadow seems more frightening, and you can’t help but imagine that there are monsters under your bed just waiting to pounce.

But then a flashlight beam carried by a parent shines in the doorway, and you don’t feel so scared. It’s amazing how one little flashlight (which isn’t really all that bright) can pierce through the darkness and take away all your fears. There’s something about a little light shining in the darkness that makes everything better.

In today’s reading, the prophet Isaiah talks about something worse than the power going out. He writes about people walking in darkness and living in the land of deep darkness. You can turn on a light anytime you want, so you might think these words aren’t meant for you. But they are.

Isaiah isn’t talking about darkness you can see with your eyes. No, he’s talking about something much scarier—he’s talking about darkness in your heart. You’re a sinner, and that means you naturally have darkness in your heart. On your own, you wouldn’t have any hope of breaking free of this darkness. You’d walk around in it and live in it and eventually die in it.

If Isaiah would have stopped writing there, there wouldn’t be any reason for hope. But did you hear what else he said? He said that the people living in darkness—you!—have seen a great light, that a light has dawned. And unlike a little flashlight beam, this light is brighter than any light the world has ever seen.

Can you guess where this light comes from? If you said “Jesus,” you’re absolutely right. Jesus is the One who shines brightly as a light in the darkness of sin. He’s the One who lights your path as you live each day here on earth. And he’s the One who will shine so brightly in heaven that there will be no more night.

So the next time you see a flashlight beam, think of Jesus. Remember that he is the light shining in the darkness of sin. You don’t have to be scared, because Jesus, your light, has come!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for coming to this world and being a light to save me from the darkness of 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

• What makes you feel better when you’re scared of the dark?
• Who is the light that today’s devotion is talking about?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What does it mean that we used to have “darkness” in our hearts?
• What is something you can do to show people the light of Jesus?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• If Jesus is the light that shines in the darkness, why do some people prefer to not believe in him and live in darkness?
• Think of someone you know who is living in spiritual darkness. What could you say to them to tell them about the light of Jesus?

 

 

Read: Colossians 2:6-15

God erased the record of our debt brought against us by his legal demands. This record stood against us, but he took it away by nailing it to the cross.
Colossians 2:14

Erased and Taken Away

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

Imagine a list of every single sin you committed. On that list there is a section for all the times you worried about something instead of trusting God. It’s followed by another section for all the times you got distracted and didn’t listen to God’s Word. A detailed record of every mean thing you ever thought and every hurtful thing you ever said about your parents, your brothers and sisters, your classmates.

How long would that list be? How sad would it be to read through it? How guilty would you feel after reading it?

Don’t worry! In our reading, we hear the good news that God has gotten rid of that list. The apostle Paul uses two different pictures to describe what God has done to the list of all the sins we’ve committed.

First, he tells us that God erased the record of our sins. How big would an eraser have to be to get rid of so much writing? There’s no eraser in this world big enough to do it.

Instead, God erased the list of all our sins through the blood of Jesus. The blood that Jesus shed while he was hanging from the cross was so precious and so pure that it was able to wash away every sin ever committed by every person who has ever lived.

Second, the apostle Paul tells us that God took that list of our sins and nailed it to the cross. Jesus took every one of our sins away from us, and he put them on himself. He took the blame and the punishment for everything we’ve done wrong. When they nailed Jesus to the cross, it was like they were nailing your sins to the cross.

Psalm 130 says, “If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness.”

In Jesus, all your sins are forgiven. Erased. Dead and gone. God doesn’t remember them. He isn’t angry with you because of them. He won’t punish you for them. Thank you, Jesus!

Closing Prayer:

Jesus, thank you for carrying all our sins to the cross and washing them away with your blood. 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

• Is it easy or hard to forgive other people? Why?
• Why did God forgive you all your sins?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Do the math. How many sins do you commit in a minute? An hour? A day? A year? A lifetime? How does that help you appreciate how much God has forgiven you?
• If God has forgiven you so generously, what does that mean for the way you forgive others?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Go through each of the Ten Commandments and consider ways that you have sinned against each one.
• How does God give you a fresh start each day? How can you make the most of it?

 

Read: Matthew 3:13-17

After Jesus was baptized, he immediately went up out of the water. Suddenly, the heavens were opened for him! He saw the Spirit of God, descending like a dove and landing on him, and a voice out of the heavens said, “This is my Son, whom I love. I am well pleased with him.”
Matthew 3:16,17

God’s Son Is Baptized

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

How does it make you feel when a teacher praises the project you spent so much time on? How does it make you feel when a coach tells you how proud they are of your hard work? How does it make you feel when a parent tells you how pleased they are by your good behavior? It feels amazing, right?

Unfortunately, because of sin, God couldn’t say those things to the people of this world. Adam and Eve disobeyed God and sinned against him. We have to admit that we have also disobeyed God and sinned against him.

God is holy. That means that he can’t praise disobedience. He isn’t proud of sinners. He’ll never be pleased when people turn their backs and walk away from him.

When God’s Son, Jesus, came to this world, he was just like us in so many ways. He had eyes and fingers and feet, just like us. He got hungry and tired and sad, just like us.

But Jesus was different from us in one very important way. He never disobeyed God. He never sinned against any of God’s commands. Jesus was perfect and holy in every way.

That’s why, when Jesus was baptized, God could praise Jesus and shout from heaven how proud he was of him: “This is my Son, whom I love. I am well pleased with him.”

Well, that might be amazing for Jesus, but how does it help sinners like us? Here’s some really good news. When you were baptized, you were connected personally to Jesus. His perfection became your perfection. His holiness became your holiness.

Imagine Jesus wearing a pure, white robe, without a single stain or spot on it. Then imagine him taking that robe and wrapping it snugly around you. That’s what happened when you were baptized.

Now, when God the Father looks at you, he doesn’t see any spots or stains or sins. He sees the perfect life of Jesus. That means that God can (and does) look at you now and say, “This is my son/daughter, whom I love. I am well pleased with him/her.”

Closing Prayer:

Jesus, thank you for wrapping your holiness around me when I was baptized. Help me please you in everything I think, say, and do. 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

• Name three ways that Jesus was just like you. What are some ways he’s different?
• How does it make you feel to know that God loves you?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• You were baptized in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. How do you see all three persons of the Trinity) at work in today’s Bible reading?
• Describe the trade that Jesus made with us. What did he take from us? What did he give to us?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Why do you think Jesus’ baptism was accompanied by such miraculous sights and sounds?
• Discuss why your baptism (so long ago!) is still important for your life (today!).

 

Read: Isaiah 42:1-7

Here is my servant, whom I uphold,
my chosen one in whom I delight.
I am placing my Spirit on him.
He will announce a just verdict for the nations.
Isaiah 42:1

God’s Chosen Servant

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

During the time of the Old Testament, God chose many different people to be his servants and carry out special missions. Moses and Aaron served God by leading God’s people out of slavery in Egypt. David and Solomon served God by ruling over God’s people as kings. Elijah and Elisha served God as prophets, calling people to believe in the one true God.

But God’s plans for his people included something—someone—even better. He had chosen to send his perfect servant, his own Son, Jesus Christ, into the world.

All of the servants he sent during the Old Testament gave us clues about what Jesus Christ, God’s perfect servant, would do.

• Moses gave the people freedom from slavery in Egypt, but Jesus gives us freedom from slavery to death.
• Aaron offered animals as sacrifices, but Jesus offered himself as the perfect, final sacrifice for sin.
• David defeated Goliath, but Jesus defeated the devil.
• Solomon was wise, but Jesus is all-knowing.
• Elijah miraculously fed 3 people, but Jesus fed more than 5,000.
• Elisha raised a boy from the dead, but Jesus raised himself from the dead.

How wonderful it is to know that the Father chose to send his own Son to serve us! How wonderful it is to know that the Son, Jesus Christ, was willing to come to this world to serve God by serving us!

But Jesus didn’t come just to serve you and me, he came to serve the world. In the Scripture reading, God promised that Jesus would “announce a just verdict for the nations.”

What does that mean? It means that Jesus is going to get rid of all the wrong things in this world and make everything right. He started that work when he came to this world the first time, and he’ll finish that work when he comes again soon. What an exciting day that will be!

And one more exciting thing: while we wait for Jesus to come again, we get to be servants of God too. God has chosen us to serve him by listening to his Word and by loving the people around us.

For the rest of today, think of yourself as God’s servant to serve someone. What an honor that is! God bless you as you carry out your special mission!

Closing Prayer:

Jesus, thank you for being the servant of God who came to save me. Lead me to serve you 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 be a servant? How was Jesus a servant?
• List at least two ways that you get to serve other people.

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• How many chosen servants of God can you think of from the Bible?
• How did each of those servants teach something about Jesus in what they said or did?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• What was the work of a prophet? A priest? A king?
• In what ways is Jesus our perfect prophet, priest, and king?

 

Read: Galatians 4:4-7

But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law, to redeem those under law, that we might receive the full rights of sons. Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our heart, the Spirit who calls out, “Abba, Father.” So you are no longer a slave, but a son; and since you are a son, God has made you also an heir.
Galatians 4:4-7

Bumpa

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

At 6’3” tall, Coach was a large and intimidating presence. When he stood at the entrance of the gymnasium, his frame nearly filled the entire doorway. With his arms crossed in front of his body, you knew that there would be no shenanigans happening on his watch.

Coach was a hefty man—not only in size, but also in reputation. He earned it from over forty years of experience in education, coaching, and athletic directing. That’s why as the basketball coach, when he asked his players to do something they responded with, “Yes Coach!” and jumped to it. Everyone—players, coaches, even referees—addressed him with respect.

Everyone, that is, except for ten adorable bundles of energy who were his grandkids. They approached Coach without any fear or hesitation and got to call him a different name. These little people lovingly called him “Bumpa.” Their special relationship of grandchild to grandpa gave them the right to call him something no one else dared to.

In Leviticus 11 we read about God and his daunting reputation. He demands that we be perfect in the way we act and speak. “I am the LORD your God,” he reminds us. “So be holy as I am holy.” How intimidating as he stands in the in the doorway of our lives, arms crossed and shaking his head because in his Word he clearly tells us to do something, and instead of jumping to it, we ignore him or walk away in the opposite direction. There is no way that on our own we can approach our just and holy God, let alone call him “Father.”

That’s when God, our coach, called a time out and benched us. He sent the perfect substitute into our game. When the time was just right God made the call to send Jesus to earth, not just to wear our human jersey, but to become one of us, our perfect teammate. Our jerseys were stained with sin and sweat, but Jesus’ jersey stayed spotless. He played the perfect game of life. He won the game when he slam dunked death and rose victoriously from the grave. Because Jesus is on our team, we can approach our coach, not with trembling knees from all the missed shots in our lives, but we can joyfully jump into his arms because he’s more than a coach. He’s our Father on whom we can depend for everything. We call him “Abba, Father!” And that is a nickname even better than “Bumpa”!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Abba Father, we are sorry for all the missed shots and opportunities to do your will. But praise be to God that because of our teammate Jesus, we are no longer slaves destined to lose but your sons and daughters through baptism. Thank you for being our Father! 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 have a grandpa or grandma? What special names can you call them?
• Why can we call God our “Father”?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• The word “Abba” means “Father.” What are some other names for “Father”? What is the difference between the terms “Dad, Daddy, Pops, Father”? Which do you think is the most loving?
• If God is our “Abba” (Father), what does that make Jesus? How is it possible to call people that you aren’t related to “brothers and sisters”?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Do you have a nickname? How did you get that nickname? How did God get the nickname, “Abba”?
• Sadly, some children don’t have a good relationship with their earthly father. Why is it a comfort knowing you can call God, “Father”?

 

Read: John 1

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made. In him was life and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it. There came a man who was sent from God; his name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all men might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light. The true light that gives light to every man was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, children born not of natural descent nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God. The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.
John 1:1-14

Small Words That Are Big at Christmas

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

Do you know what a preposition is? Someone once explained it this way: A preposition is everything a mouse can do to a box. A mouse can go in a box, by a box, under a box, over a box, through a box, etc.” A preposition is that little word that explains where the mouse is and where the box is.

In the first 14 verses of the book of John, there are 25 prepositions! They help identify who Jesus is and how closely connected he is to God, to our world, to us, and to our salvation.

For example, God’s plan of salvation was set in place before the first clock in the world began to tick. “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God. He was with God in the beginning.” “The Word” is a nickname for Jesus. John is telling us that before Jesus came into our world as a baby, he was there with God when it was created. Jesus was with God and now Jesus is with us! It means when Jesus was born, he was both God and human being like us. That’s amazing!

Here’s another example: Jesus once said, “I am the Light of the world.” Where does the light shine? John tells us, “The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.” (vs. 5) Just as Christmas trees are lit up with lights, Jesus comes to light up our dark world that couldn’t see or find God without his help.

BUT, the best prepositions are the ones that connect you to Jesus. Listen: “To all who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God!” (vs. 12) “Believing in Jesus’ name” and becoming “children of God” are the best because they show us how close Jesus wants his name to be near your name.

This Christmas, thank God for even little words like prepositions. Jesus is with us!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Father in heaven, we are in awe of you! That you gave up your throne above to come down to earth makes our hearts shake with joy! Thank you for making your dwelling among us. Please help us tell others about you that they too may know 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

• What is the name for the little words today’s devotion said are so important?
• Fill in the following blanks with a preposition: Jesus died ___ the cross. Jesus rose ____ the grave! Jesus sits ___ the right hand of God!

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Prepositions are important! From today’s devotion, name four things a mouse can do to a box.
• Prepositions are important! From today’s Bible read, name four things that Jesus did to connect with you and with God’s love.

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Get a Bible and find John 1:1-14. See how many prepositions you can find. (Goal: 25!)
• In those verses, which prepositional phrase meant the most to you? Be ready to tell why that one was so meaningful.

 

Read: Isaiah 52:7-10

How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” The LORD will lay bare his holy arm in the sight of all the nations and all the ends of the earth will see the salvation of our God.
Isaiah 52:7,10

Gus’ Song

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

During this special season of Christmas, it’s not uncommon to see a group of preschoolers outfitted in their plaid red and black dresses and little suit coats singing the Christmas lullaby, “Be near me Lord Jesus! I ask you to stay close by me forever and love me I pray; bless all the dear children in your tender care and take us to heaven to live with you there!”

That was 2-year-old Gus. One night at bedtime, he asked, “Mom, Dad—can I sing my song?” At first, Gus’ parents were unsure which song he was asking for his bedtime prayer. Was it, “Now the Light Has Gone Away” or maybe “I Am Jesus’ Little Lamb”? However, when they started singing, “Be near me Lord Jesus” and got to the line, “And take us to heaven,” Gus pointed to himself and said “Me! Me!” He took the words to be, “And take GUS to heaven to live with you there.”

Gus is correct in realizing that Jesus was born as a baby for him! And Gus is absolutely right in realizing that he will go to heaven because of Jesus’ birth, death on the cross for his sins, and resurrection. The personal assurance we have in our salvation is such a blessing!

However, in our reading for today, we see that Jesus didn’t just come for one person but for the whole world. What a day that will be when (vs. 10) “The LORD will lay bare his holy arm in the sight of all the nations.” Together, we will burst into songs of joy with brothers and sisters of all sizes, skin types, and smiles. But how will those people from all nations learn about this wonderful promise? Whether they wear Teva sandals, Nike tennis shoes, Jimmy Choo high heels, or just bare feet, the Bible tells us that the feet of those who bring this good news are beautiful.

Right now, there are missionaries across the world who may not be sitting by a cozy fire, sipping on hot chocolate, and hanging Christmas stockings. Rather, they may be hundreds, even thousands of miles away from these traditions and away from family and friends. And for what reason? Because they have good news to proclaim in all the earth! Glad tidings of great joy!

This Christmas, let’s join Gus and sing with confidence, “Take us to heaven to live with you there!”

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for coming to earth for me! But also, thank you for coming to earth for the whole world. Please use my feet to bring the news of your birth to everyone I meet. Be with our missionaries who may be far away from their families but are doing such important work. Strengthen and protect 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 is your favorite bedtime prayer to sing or say?
• Are your feet beautiful? Even if your feet are a little dirty or stinky right now, how can they be beautiful according to the Bible passage we just read?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• How many different countries can you name? How are those countries different from where you live? How are they the same?
• What does a missionary do in those countries? Could you be a missionary?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Share a time that you burst into cheer either by yourself or with a team or group of others. Now multiply that feeling times 1,000,000 and that’s what it will be like when “the LORD will lay bare his holy arm in the sight of all the nations.”
• The next time you put on your shoes in front of others—whether it be in a locker room, bowling alley, a beach bench or ice hockey rink—challenge yourself to make your feet beautiful and tell someone around you about what Jesus’ birth means to you.

 

Read: Romans 1:1-7

This gospel is about his Son—who in the flesh was born a descendant of David, who in the spirit of holiness was declared to be God’s powerful Son by his resurrection from the dead—Jesus Christ, our Lord.
Romans 1:3,4

What’s it all about?

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

“What’s it about?”

Maybe a friend is recommending a movie or a book. Perhaps you were invited to a party… of some sort… but you’re not sure what to bring. “What’s it about?” That question is a question of curiosity, a question of value:

• Will this book, this movie, this party bring joy and connection to my life?
• Will I enjoy attending this going-away party, or should I schedule some time to say goodbye privately?
• Does this book have content that’s suitable for my child, or is it a little beyond their age level?

“What’s it about?” It’s a question that we ask about everyday events, entertainment, movies, and so much more!

If someone asked you that question about the Bible… what would you say? “This Bible on your shelf—I’ve seen one before, but I’ve never read it. What’s it about?”

It’s a question of curiosity, a question of value: Will this book be worth my time? Is this book going to bring joy to my life, or will it be boring? Will it drag down my day?

What’s it about? In our reading from Romans 1, Paul gives us his answer: This gospel is about his Son—who in the flesh was born a descendant of David, who in the spirit of holiness was declared to be God’s powerful Son by his resurrection from the dead—Jesus Christ, our Lord.

What’s it about? Jesus Christ, true man, descended from Adam and Abraham and David and Mary. Jesus Christ, true God, begotten of the Father from eternity, whose resurrection means that sin is forgiven and death is broken.

Wow, what a joy! Now you know what this Advent season is all about! It’s about the most fascinating person in the whole world—Jesus!

What’s it about? It’s still a question for us to consider—a question of curiosity, a question of value. Is this Jesus worth your time? Is his Bible going to bring joy to your life, or will it be boring?

Listen again to Paul and Paul’s answer: “This gospel is about his Son.” This gospel is worth your time—and your eternity.

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank you for becoming a human and showing how much you want us to be with you forever. Lead us to your Word and to always be curious about what you say there and respond, “You are so worth 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

• What’s the Bible about?
• In our devotion, we named a few people who were ancestors of the Savior. Can you name one person who was an ancestor of Jesus?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What would you tell someone who said that they’ve never read a Bible?
• How can our family stay focused on the events of Advent this year?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• “He has redeemed me, a lost and condemned creature… with his holy, precious blood.” Look again at the Bible verses in today’s devotion. Why does Paul say that Jesus’ blood is holy and precious?
• Someone says: “I don’t really care what the Bible’s about, because I can be a good person without a book.” How could you respond?

 

Read: Matthew 11:2-11

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 replied, “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.”
Matthew 11: 2-5

Or Should I Look Somewhere Else?

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

The three readings this week talk about a few different emotions: surprise, patience, and now—disappointment. In the Gospel reading from Matthew 11, we hear that John the Baptist is disappointed: “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?’” Wow. Talk about disappointment! John had preached that Jesus was the Messiah; John had pointed to Jesus and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” John said that this Jesus, the promised Messiah, would destroy his enemies with fire and judge the world with justice!

Now John was in prison for preaching what God’s Word said. John was in jail because he had clearly taught what God’s Word said. And it certainly seems that John was disappointed in Jesus. If Jesus was the powerful Messiah that John had preached about . . . where was the justice? Why was John in jail? Why did John suffer for simply doing what God had commanded him to do?

Can you imagine how disappointed John felt? You may have felt let down by someone. Maybe there was a time when you were disappointed in what someone did or said. But… John is disappointed with God!

Jesus gently directs John—and us—back to his clear Word. Our happiness with God doesn’t hinge on what he does for us, or how he blesses us; our joy in Jesus is completely because Jesus has done everything that he promised. That’s why Jesus points John (and us) back to Isaiah 35. Jesus says that he is doing, and will do, exactly what the Messiah said he would do—so there’s no reason to be disappointed in Jesus: “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.”

Whew! Jesus is the One!

Closing Prayer:

Lord, I confess my disappointment. My heart wants things to happen on my schedule and in my way; yet just like John, you direct me back to what you promised to do. You have brought your gospel to me, and your certain Word has promised me forgiveness! Grant that I am never disappointed in this truth. 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 was John in jail? (Reread that portion of the devotion as needed.)
• How do you think John felt?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What was the message John sent to Jesus?
• What answer do you think John was expecting?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• What message does Jesus give to John through the messengers? (This phrasing is a direct fulfillment of Isaiah’s words about the Messiah.) Why does Jesus send this message for John?
• Name two bad ways and two good ways that Christians can handle disappointment.

 

Read: Isaiah 35:1-10

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. . . . 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 . . . and the redeemed will walk there.
Isaiah 35:5-8

Surprise! Things Don’t Always Happen That Way . . . Do They?

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

Surprising. Unexpected. Impossible.

That is what makes a story, a movie, or a TV show interesting. The reader is surprised when Charlotte spins a web, and Wilbur lives out his days on Zuckerman’s farm. The movie plays out with the unexpected servant girl becoming a royal bride, or the impossible problem is miraculously solved. When something is surprising, unexpected, or impossible—it catches our eyes, our interest, our hearts.

In our reading from Isaiah chapter 35, God talks about some things that are surprising, unexpected, even impossible: The blind can see? The deaf are able to hear again? Those who can’t walk—now can run, and jump, and play soccer? Someone who cannot talk . . . sings praises to God?

That sounds impossible. That’s just not going to happen!

But that is exactly what God promises in our reading today. And God is completely certain that he will do the impossible, the unexpected, and the surprising. He says that he’ll turn the desert sand into a place where people swim, and—most importantly of all—he’ll build a highway in that wasteland. Wow, talk about surprising! God will build a highway . . . so that you, his baptized and beloved child, will have a clear path through life to eternity.

God didn’t use a spider’s web or a movie’s princess. God sent his promised Messiah, exactly as he promised: “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. . . . 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 . . . and the redeemed will walk there.”

That is God’s surprising, impossible, unexpected promise: His Messiah has come to save you, and this Messiah has come to change your life today—and your eternity tomorrow. God did the impossible by sending his Son, and God did the impossible by giving you faith in Holy Baptism. God did the impossible by placing you on the way to heaven, and God will continue to do the impossible by keeping you on that path.

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus, you promised to come in vengeance and to do the surprising, unexpected, and impossible. You raised yourself from the dead and baptized me into your household of faith. Keep me on your highway of grace. 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 something impossible that God talked about in today’s reading?
• Name something that seems impossible at the moment for you, and let’s pray about it.

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What is the most impossible or surprising thing God ever did?
• From your own memory, name one or two “impossible” things Jesus did. What do we call these “impossible” deeds?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Identify something impossible that God accomplished in your own life. (For a hint, consider Luther’s explanation to the Third Article: “I believe that I cannot, by my own thinking or choosing, believe in Jesus Christ, my Lord, or come to him. But the Holy Spirit has called me by the gospel . . .”)
• This reading finishes with God’s promised forgiveness through the Messiah. Why do you think God spent so much time describing the impossible things that the Messiah would accomplish, before finally describing the forgiveness that Messiah would win?

 

Read: Romans 15:4-13

For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.

May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.
Romans 15:4-7

Let’s get ready to share peace

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

In the first book of the Bible, we hear about a man named Jacob. He tricked his brother Esau and had to run away from home. Years later when they meet again, Jacob was sure Esau was going to kill him, but Esau forgave him. God can heal old grudges. In Exodus we read that the Israelites were enslaved by Egypt for 400 years. But then God sent Moses to free them. There isn’t a problem too big for God to solve. In the New Testament, we see Jesus’ disciples hiding in fear after he was crucified. They thought death had conquered Jesus, but then they saw their Savior and understood that Jesus defeated death.

Don’t you get excited reading those stories? They remind us that God can really fix the broken things in our life, he is always ready to forgive us and will never leave us. God had prophets and apostles write down those true stories for us, so that when we read them, we find hope in Jesus.

But God gives us hope for another reason—so that we can give hope to others. He wants us to share it. In our reading he tells us two ways to do that:

• We glorify God together with one mind and voice. One way we do that is by worshiping with each other. As we gather together and hear God’s Word and sing our praises, we help encourage each other in our faith. And,
• We accept one another as Christ accepted us. That doesn’t mean we ignore sins—after all, Jesus didn’t ignore ours! What did he do? He forgave our sins and made us God’s children. So we forgive others, and we treat them as part of our family.

We have that hope because someone shared God’s Word with us. Christmas is two weeks away. There are plenty of people all around us who feel guilty or hopeless. Let’s invite them to hear the true story of God’s love. Let’s give them the peace God has given us.

Closing Prayer:

Almighty God, thank you for the people who have shared your Word with us. Thank you for giving us hope through your promises. I’m sorry for the times I act like that hope is just for me and forget to share it with others. In these next weeks especially, help me forgive other people and invite them to church this Christmas so that you can give them hope, 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

• What does “hope” mean?
• When do people need hope most?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• How do Christians praise God “with one mind and one voice”?
• Paul tells us to accept each other. That means forgiving each other. How does forgiving someone help give them hope?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Describe a way you might give hope to someone who needs it.
• Paul says that the Bible was written to give us hope. What’s a Bible story that has taught you to have hope?

 

Read: Matthew 21:1-11

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.’”
Matthew 21:1-5

Our King comes in gentleness

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

The president of the United States rides in a limousine nicknamed “the Beast.” It’s a fitting name! His car has armor plating and bullet-proof glass; it carries weapons and rides on tires that can’t go flat. When you see a car like that coming down the street, you know a powerful leader is coming.

When Jesus entered Jerusalem to die for our sins, he wasn’t riding anything like that. He wasn’t in a chariot or riding a powerful horse. He was riding on a small, young donkey. But he was coming to be a King.

There were at least two reasons why Jesus rode a donkey. Hundreds of years before this, God made a prophecy—a promise!—through one of his prophets: When God’s true King came to his people he’d be riding on a young donkey. God said, “When you see this sign, pay attention. You’ll know I’m keeping my promise.”

And riding a donkey showed what Jesus was like. You wouldn’t ride a donkey out into war. Donkeys were lowly and humble. Gentle. Jesus wasn’t coming to attack people; he was coming as a gentle King who would lay down his life for his people.

Jesus still comes to us today. We’ll celebrate Christmas soon and rejoice in the miracle of God coming as a baby. But there’s a miracle taking place, even right now. God comes to us in his Word. He promises he’s speaking to us through the Bible. So are you reading the Bible tonight? Are you going to church soon? Then, pay attention! God’s keeping his promise to you.

And it shows what God is like, too. He doesn’t come to us in a thunderstorm or an earthquake, but in words that help us see our sin and promise us salvation. He doesn’t want to scare us; he speaks gently because he wants us to know him. That’s the kind of King you have.

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus, when you entered Jerusalem on a donkey, you came exactly the way you promised, but so many people didn’t recognize you. You promise to come to us in your Word. As we read it tonight, as we worship you on Christmas Eve, help us to recognize you and receive you as our gentle and loving King. 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 kind of animal did Jesus ride into Jerusalem?
• What did that show about what Jesus was like?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• How did Jesus riding on a donkey actually show that he had complete control over what was happening?
• Jesus is described as “gentle.” How else in the Bible do you see Jesus’ gentleness?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Jesus entered Jerusalem in this way as he was getting ready to die. Explain how his “gentleness” wasn’t the same as “weakness.”
• List as many ways as you can that this reading shows us that Jesus is a powerful king and a loving king.