Read: Hebrews 2:10-18

Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters.
Hebrews 2:11

Are You Proud of Your Family?

 

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

Have you ever been embarrassed by your family? Maybe it was something your parents did in front of your friends. Maybe it was something your brother or sister said. Perhaps it was something your child did or said.

Do you think God has ever been embarrassed by something you said or did? After all, at your baptism, he put his name on you. The things you say and do reflect the God who adopted you into his family, and how you feel about him.

Here is an amazing truth: for all the things we have done that are shameful before God, Jesus isn’t ashamed to call us his brothers and sisters. It’s not because we haven’t done anything shameful or embarrassing. We have. But Jesus still isn’t ashamed to call us his brothers and sisters. Why?

For one thing, he really knows what it’s like to be us. He had human flesh and blood like us. He had a body and soul like us. He had to face the devil and his temptations each and every day like us. He lived in a sinful world among sinful people who sinned against him, who hurt him with their words and actions like us. But unlike us, who too easily give in to temptation and react to sin with sin, Jesus was perfect. He never did anything that would have made God the Father embarrassed or ashamed.

Jesus did all of that so that he could forgive and cover over all our shameful and embarrassing sins. As our substitute and sacrifice for sin, he makes us perfect, and even better, a part of his family. You and I can look at the special child born in Bethlehem and see our Savior as our brother. We’re family! We can know for sure that Jesus looks at us as his brothers and sisters whom he dearly loves and cares for, and there is nothing embarrassing about that!

Closing Prayer:

Dear God, I am sorry. I have done so many things that make me embarrassed and ashamed. But that is why in love you sent Jesus. Thank you for sending Jesus to forgive my sins and cover all my offenses with his perfection. Thank you for making Jesus my brother and bringing me into your family. 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

• Count how many people are in your family. (After the count is in, say this: “Jesus he’s not ashamed to call you his brother or sister. Now how many are in your family?” Add 1 more for Jesus!)
• Make up a little prayer thanking God for the people in your family and for Jesus, your brother.

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• If all believers are considered Jesus’ brothers and sisters, say the names of as many people you can think of who are part of his family.
• Think about the last time you felt embarrassed about something you did. Why isn’t Jesus embarrassed, and why does he still see you as part of his holy family?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• There will be times you feel that no one understands what you are going through. Take a few seconds to silently read again today’s verses from Hebrews. Say out loud two selections that will comfort you in those times.
• What does it mean to you that Jesus calls us his brothers and sisters?

 

Read: Luke 2:41-52

After three days they found him in the temple courts, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. His mother said to him, “Son, why have you treated us like this? Your father and I have been anxiously searching for you.”

“Why were you searching for me?” he asked. “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?”

Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them.
Luke 2:46,48,49,51

Lost and Found

 

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

Tears swelled in Molly’s eyes. Her head spun around as her eyes darted here and there, frantically looking for her parents. Fear welled up in her heart. She didn’t see anyone she knew. She was lost.

Have you ever been lost? It is a scary thing to be lost. Parents, ever had that moment where you lost sight of a child? That is also frightening. It is why parents often tell their children, “Stay here! Stay close to me! Don’t wander off!”

Mary and Joseph experienced that feeling of having a lost child. As they left Jerusalem, they thought they knew where Jesus was. They thought he was traveling with their group of friends and relatives as they headed home. But they were wrong. They couldn’t find him. Mary and Joseph thought Jesus was lost!

They searched for three days. Finally, Mary and Joseph found him sitting in the temple courts, talking to the people who taught God’s Word and asking them questions. Jesus was at his church listening and growing in God’s Word!

Jesus was a special child, wasn’t he? He wasn’t just the son of Mary. He was the Son of God, the Savior God the Father had sent to rescue us. Jesus wasn’t being disobedient to Mary and Joseph when they couldn’t find him. Jesus was doing what his heavenly Father wanted, learning God’s Word and spending time in God’s house.

Sometimes you and I find it hard to do what our heavenly Father wants. He wants to us be closer to him. He wants us to learn more about what God’s Word says and to spend time in God’s house. But be honest, we aren’t always eager to go to church or Sunday School or a Bible class. We may not be too enthusiastic to take time to read a Bible story or talk to God in prayer. Maybe you’re not even happy about how long this devotion is taking!

That’s what makes Jesus so special. He came to take your place. You and I sin, we don’t always do what our heavenly Father wants. So, Jesus was perfectly obedient to God the Father in our place. You and I aren’t perfectly obedient to our parents. So, Jesus perfectly obeyed Mary and Joseph in our place. Jesus’ perfection covers over your imperfections. Because of Jesus, you are forgiven!

Jesus was a special child. He is our special Savior. Because he took our place, you and I will never be lost or separated from our heavenly Father!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for coming to earth and taking my place. Thank you for being obedient to God the Father in my place and forgiving my sin. Help me to follow in my Savior’s footsteps by being obedient to you and those over me. In your name I 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

• Have you ever gotten lost? Describe what happened and how it made you feel.
• Jesus loved to be at church. Give one reason why you love your church.

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• How did Jesus show love and respect for God’s Word and his parents in this lesson?
• Name as many people as you can who taught you about God’s Word.

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Jesus asked his teachers questions. What’s one question you’d like to ask your pastor?
• List three ideas to include God’s Word into your daily life.

 

Read: Luke 2:1-20

But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”
Luke 2:10-12

This Child is the Savior!

 

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

Kaia’s mom was already at the hospital when she got there. Mom was having a baby, and Kaia was about to become a big sister. When she walked into the room, she saw the baby in an itty-bitty bed. She touched her sister’s tiny toes and her baby nose as cute as a button. When Kaia got to hold her new friend, she couldn’t stop smiling. Mom and dad were smiling too. Something about welcoming a new baby makes everyone very happy.

Baby Jesus made people happy too. He was the most special baby ever. It wasn’t just because Jesus was placed in a manger instead of a baby-bed. It wasn’t just because Jesus’ father was God. It wasn’t even because Jesus was a perfect baby, the only newborn in history who wasn’t a little sinner inside. We might expect the world’s most special baby to glow gloriously, but he didn’t. Jesus was born in a humble place and around people who were just like us.

What made Jesus special was his mission. The angel announced, “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you.” Did you catch his mission? This baby was here to be the Savior. God sent Jesus to rescue his people from evil in us and all around us. That’s why Jesus needed to live a perfect life. He always listened to his parents to make up for the times when the rest of us disrespect our parents. He always listened to God’s word to make up for when we get bored of hearing from the Bible. Jesus’ mission started the night he was born on Christmas Eve and his mother, Mary, and his stepfather Joseph smiled at him. Happy shepherds came to see him. A while later, the wise men brought him gifts to celebrate the new baby.

Jesus is still making people smile. Are you smiling? Because of Jesus, all your wrongs were made right. He will wipe every tear from your eye, and you will never be sad again. Because of Jesus, you are going to heaven. When you get to heaven, you’ll actually will get to see and smile at him just and Mary and Joseph did that first Christmas! That’s what’s so special about the baby Jesus—this child is your Savior!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for coming to our world on a mission to save us. Help me appreciate how much you love me so that I can be joyful this Christmas. 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

• In your own words, tell the story of what happened the night of Jesus’ birth.
• Name two things that make you happy because Jesus is born.

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What does it mean that Jesus is your Savior?
• Pretend you’re one of the shepherds who heard the angel’s announcement from today’s devotion. What things might the shepherds have talked about on their way to visit Jesus? What about on their return home?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Do you think people in 2021 are more excited about Christmas or less excited compared to Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds? Explain your answer.
• How would you help someone else appreciate the importance of Christmas and a Savior born for them?

 

Read: Luke 3:7-18

John said to the crowds coming out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath? Produce fruit in keeping with repentance. And do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham. The ax is already at the root of the trees, and every tree that does not produce good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire.”

And with many other words John exhorted the people and proclaimed the good news to them.
Luke 3:7-9,18

Be the Lord’s Kind of Person Because He Is Near

 

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

“You’re my kind of guy,” said the hunter, as he followed his friend up into his brand new hunting hideout. “That’s my kind of girl,” said the soccer coach, as she watched her star player helping out her new teammates. “You’re my kind of teacher,” said the computer-lover to the woman who taught him how to write the code for a video game. When we meet someone who likes the same things that we like, then we say, “That’s my kind of person!”

So… what is God’s kind of person like?

Two thousand years ago, Jesus came to earth as a human being. He met people, talked to them, and liked to spend time with them. The people who were on earth back then wanted to be God’s kind of person. Some people thought, “I live in the same country as Jesus, so I’m his kind of person.” Others thought, “I have the same extended family as Jesus, so I’m his kind of person.” Lots of people thought, “I live a good life. I don’t murder people or steal things. I only tell a few small lies, but not very often, so I’m God’s kind of person.”

John the Baptist told all of them that they were wrong. John was getting people ready to meet Jesus. If they wanted to be Jesus’ kind of person, then they need to hate what Jesus hates and love what Jesus loves. Jesus hates sin, and Jesus loves God. The Bible has a particular word for hating sin and loving God; it’s called “repentance.” Jesus spent time with people from many countries. He ate with people who did not live good lives. He came to earth to be with sinful people, and his favorite sinners felt sad when they sinned and loved to hear about God’s love. They were repentant, and they were Jesus’ kind of people.

Jesus is returning to earth soon. He will come down from heaven and take his people to be with him forever. Because we are going to meet Jesus someday, we want to be Jesus’ kind of people. You don’t have to be from a particular country. You don’t have to be from the right family. You don’t need to be a person who always does what is right. Jesus’ kind of people know about repentance. When we do wrong things, we are sorry for our sins; we hate that we do it. When we hear how God forgives us, we trust him, love him, and try as hard as we can to live how he wants us to live.

When Jesus comes back, he is going to see you and all other believers. He will remember how he deleted all your sins when he died on the cross. He will see how you felt sad about the times you sinned. He will see how you loved to hear that God forgives you. And do you know what he’ll say? He’ll say, “You are my kind of person!”

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for taking away all my sins. Help me to run away from sin and run to 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 are some things Jesus hates?
• What can you say to Jesus when you do something wrong?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Describe what Jesus’ kind of person is like.
• Why can you say that you are Jesus’ kind of person?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Why did John the Baptist want his listeners to repent as soon as possible?
• If a person was looking at you from the outside, how could they tell that you hate sin and love Jesus?

 

Read: Zephaniah 3:14-17

Sing, Daughter Zion;
shout aloud, Israel!
Be glad and rejoice with all your heart,
Daughter Jerusalem!
The Lord has taken away your punishment,
he has turned back your enemy.
Zephaniah 3:14-15

Jesus Turns Back Our Enemies

 

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

In 1970 the professional basketball teams of the New York Knicks and the Los Angeles Lakers faced off in a seven-game series for the NBA championship. Things started well for the Knicks. They won the first two games, but then the Lakers started taking over.

After six games, the teams were tied. The Knicks had won three games, but the Lakers were playing better and better, and they won three games too. Whoever won game number seven would be the champion, and it didn’t look good for the Knicks.

The worst news was that the Knicks’ star player, Willis Reed, was injured. Willis was six feet ten inches tall. He was the Most Valuable Player in the NBA, and he was famous for jumping up and sweeping the ball out of the air when his opponent tried to score. But Willis Reed had torn a muscle in his leg, and the Knicks fans were nervous that they would lose the championship if he couldn’t play.

The day of the game arrived. The teams were warming up. Suddenly, the TV announcer said, “I think we see Willis coming out!” He was wearing his jersey and shorts. The whole crowd stood up and cheered before the game had even started. Why were they celebrating? Because Willis Reed was coming out to play! He did play, and the Knicks won the championship.

Today we have a reason to stand up and cheer. We can rejoice and sing because our hero is coming! Jesus is coming at Christmas.

Jesus is not famous for sweeping basketballs out of the sky. He’s famous for taking our sins and throwing them into the depths of the sea, where nobody can ever find them. Jesus is famous for facing off against the devil and crushing him so that we are safe. Jesus is famous for dying on the cross and rising from the dead so that we don’t need to be afraid of death—we’ll rise just like he did.

Jesus is much more powerful than any basketball player, and here’s the best news: He’s on your team! You don’t need to make up for your sins; Jesus did that. You don’t need to defeat the devil; Jesus did that. Jesus has turned back our enemies, and now he stays with us. Never again do we need to fear any harm. That’s why at Christmas time, when Jesus comes, we rejoice and sing.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for coming to defeat our enemies. Fill our hearts with joy as we wait for 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

• Who is our “hero” who arrives at Christmas?
• Why do we want Jesus to be on our “team”?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Name two enemies that Jesus has “turned back” so they can’t harm you.
• God’s Word today encourages us to “sing… and be glad with all your heart.” Name your favorite song you like to sing to Jesus with all your heart.

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Agree/Disagree: Because Jesus turns back our enemies, nothing terrible will happen to Christians. Explain your answer.
• List at least three ways you can show your joy (in your life or at home) for what Jesus has done for you.

 

Read: Philippians 1:3-11

And I pray that your love may still increase more and more in knowledge and every insight. This will result in your approval of the things that really matter, so that you will be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.
Philippians 1:9-11 (EHV)

God’s Fruit Harvest

 

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

Where does fruit come from? The store? Well, fruit has to get to the store somehow. Before we can buy them at the store, fruits first must grow on trees or bushes. Farmers have to tend the trees and bushes all year long. Yet before those fruits are ready for you to buy and eat, they require a lot of work. When the fruit blossoms come out or when the blossoms start to transform, grow, and change into fruits, the farmer has to mind the weather. Heat or cold can seriously damage the crop. So can all kinds of bugs. Fruit trees need fertilizer to grow in a healthy way. Finally at the harvest, someone has to pick and prepare the fruit. Whew, that’s a lot of work before you can enjoy sweet, juicy fruit at home!

Did you know that like a farmer, the Lord looks for fruit too? God looks for fruit from us! Rather than apples or oranges or berries, the Lord looks for holy hearts and healthy lives, for humble attitudes, for peace with others, and love that focuses on the needs of other people rather than on our own. Whew, that’s sounds like a lot of work! How can we be filled with the holy, humble, peaceful, loving fruits that God wants to find?

Before you see fruit in your life, God has to do a lot of work. You see, on our own, we would only grow rotten fruit. We’re proud and selfish. We hurt others with our words or actions. We argue and push to get our way or to get what we want rather than consider what others need.

Yet God does something very important for us. He plants us in the Word of God. He cuts away all that sin and feeds us with the good news that Jesus came to be our Savior. Jesus gives us peace with God, which then blossoms into peace with other people. Jesus fertilizes us with his love, which then grows into love for the other people in our lives. Jesus protects us from everything that could damage our faith and its fruits. When God finds those fruits of faith growing in our lives, he rejoices, because other people get to enjoy them too. With God’s help, may every day of your life be filled with fruits of faith!

Closing Prayer:

Lord God, fill our lives with sweet fruits of faith—righteousness, peace, humility, and love. Help us to share those fruits of faith with the people in our lives. 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 kind of fruit?
• What kind of fruit is God’s favorite?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What does it mean to be filled with the fruit of righteousness?
• Identify three “fruits of faith” God can produce in your life.

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Why does God have to be the source of our fruits of faith?
• Why is living a life “filled with the fruit of righteousness” important for sharing Jesus with other people in your life?

 

Read: Luke 19:28-40

As he was approaching the slope of the Mount of Olives, the whole crowd of disciples began to praise God joyfully, with a loud voice, for all the miracles they had seen, saying, “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord! Peace in heaven and glory in the highest!”
Luke 19:37-38 (EHV)

The King Comes to You

 

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

You come home from school one day, and your house has turned into a beehive of activity. A special guest is coming to your house. Your family just found out about it this morning. Yet there’s something unusual about the activity. It’s not just Mom or Dad or your brother or sister cleaning. There are other people getting everything ready. They are not your neighbors. Some even look official, securing the area and making sure everything looks just right. Some are professionals—chefs, decorators, and others—making sure no detail is overlooked.

So who is coming to visit? Whoever it is, they must be important to require this much preparation. Maybe the governor or the president or some other important person is coming to visit your family. Now they aren’t coming to stay at your house or to have you live with them. Presidents and governors, kings and queens simply don’t do that. Yet today we hear about a King who not only comes to visit us, he comes to live with us.

Jesus was with his disciples just outside of the city of Jerusalem. It was a busy time when people from all over the world traveled there to celebrate a festival called the Passover. Large crowds followed Jesus everywhere. When the time came for him to enter Jerusalem, he didn’t enter the city with all kinds of pomp and glory. Instead, Jesus rode on the back of a donkey with coats for a saddle. People cut down palm branches and waved them in the air. They laid their coats on the ground for him and they sang ancient songs. Yet Jesus was not planning to make himself king. Instead, he was making his way to a cross where he would suffer and die for us.

You see, Jesus is a King like no other king who has ever lived. Jesus is not so glorious or so powerful or so important that he does not care about us or have no time for us. Every day he comes to give us the good news that we are so precious and priceless to him, he bought us with his blood. He comes to die for us to take away our sins and to rise again to give us life with him forever. Imagine that! The King of kings comes to be with you now—and he’s not leaving. Jesus wants you to live with him forever. How amazing!

Closing Prayer:

Dear King Jesus, sometimes we forget that you are unlike anyone else in the whole wide world. You love us and care for us more than anyone else, even our own families. Help us to serve and follow you. Be with us every day of our lives. 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 one person you would want to make a surprise visit to your house.
• In a couple weeks, whom will we welcome as a special guest into our home?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Name at least two things that make Jesus different from any other king.
• True or False: Jesus entered Jerusalem for me. Explain why.

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Someone special is arriving in a couple weeks. As a family, discuss ways you can prepare your home for his coming.
• Jesus is coming not to visit but to live with you. Describe how that ought to change your thinking and living.

 

Read: Jeremiah 33:14-16

In those days and at that time, I will cause a righteous Branch to grow up from David’s line. He will establish justice and righteousness on earth. In those days Judah will be saved, and Jerusalem will dwell securely.
Jeremiah 33:15-16a (EHV)

The Dead Come Back to Life

 

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

In northern California, you can visit some of the largest trees on the face of the earth. Giant sequoias tower over 300 feet above the forest floor! A single branch from one of these trees measures 150 feet long. Their trunks can measure over 20 feet around. These ancient trees are huge!

When a giant sequoia gets sick and dies, it needs to be cut down. What’s left behind is a massive stump—dead and decaying. Yet if your family were to drive through a sequoia forest, you would see something very surprising. You would find a giant stump with all kinds of “stump sprouts” growing out of it, basically little sequoia trees growing up from the dead stump. In a sense, the dead tree comes back to life.

God used a similar picture to describe his Old Testament people hundreds of years before the birth of Jesus. Like a giant sequoia, Israel had once been a mighty nation ruled by King David, a faithful follower of the Lord. Yet the nation became spiritually sick as many of the kings who followed David trusted in other gods. Eventually, like a dead tree, their kingdom was destroyed. They no longer had a king. Many were sent far away from home.

The people felt sad and hopeless, but the Lord made a promise. A righteous Branch would grow up from David’s line. Like a “stump sprout,” a King would come from David’s family to give life to God’s people. He will save them from their sins, so they could live with him forever. That King would be our Savior Jesus.

Sometimes we feel sad and hopeless. A friend moves away, or we move away. A family member or friend passes away. Maybe we see our parents, brother, or sister feeling sad or worried. It makes us afraid. We wonder if things will ever get better. In that moment, our hope feels dead like a stump.

But do you remember God’s promise? If he can cause living trees to grow up from dead stumps, Jesus can bring us back to life when we feel hopeless. Jesus came into our world to forgive our sins. He came to wipe away our tears. He came to comfort us when we feel sad and protect us when we feel scared. Jesus came to give us hope in him—not an “I hope so” hope, but an “I know so” hope. Jesus came to bring us back to life.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, you are the righteous Branch. Thank you for coming into our world to give us life and restore our hope. Help us to trust in you and your promises always. 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 would you describe a tree stump? (Answer: dead) What does a stump sprout indicate? (Answer: life)
• Why is it important that Jesus is like a stump sprout?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• How was the kingdom of Israel like a dead stump?
• What is the difference between an “I hope so” hope and an “I know so” hope?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Why is God’s promise to bring life from a dead stump so important for us?
• Discuss what makes you afraid of dying. Why should the season of Advent make you less afraid?

 

Read: Daniel 7:13-14

In my vision at night I looked, and there before me was one like a son of man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into his presence. He was given authority, glory and sovereign power; all nations and peoples of every language worshiped him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion that will not pass away, and his kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.
Daniel 7:13-14

The Best Day Ever!

 

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

What will that day be like? Can you even imagine? What will it be like to look up into the sky and see Jesus “coming with the clouds of heaven” on the Last Day? What will it be like to see Jesus with all of his glory and all of his mighty angels? What will it be like to finally see our Savior and King face to face?

The prophet Daniel had a vision more than 2,500 years ago. In this vision he saw a little sneak peek, kind of like a movie preview, of what that Last Day will be like. What a sight he saw! He saw Jesus coming on the clouds. He saw Jesus with all his glory and power. Daniel also saw all nations and people bowing down and worshiping him.

How awesome will that be? Not only will we see Jesus our King, but we will join with other believers from America to Africa to Asia to Australia, and everywhere in between, to worship our Savior. It will be the greatest choir, the greatest praise, and the greatest worship ever!

What Daniel saw in his vision is not some made up story. This is what will really happen someday soon. Jesus himself came to this world once to live and die for us. He gave his life so that we could be forgiven all our sins and live with him one day in heaven. Jesus also promised that he would come back for us, just like Daniel saw in his vision.

Because God has always kept his promises, we can trust this promise, too. Jesus will come back. You will see his power and glory. You will see your Savior face to face. You will join with all believers to worship and praise him forever. And best of all, the joy of that day will never end. Daniel says, “His kingdom is one that will never be destroyed.”

Judgment day will be the best day ever when Jesus returns to reign as King with us forever and ever. Oh what a day! I can’t wait!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, we praise you for being our great and glorious King. Come quickly so that we can live with you forever! Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

• What did the prophet Daniel see in his vision?
• What happened in that vision?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What will happen on judgment day?
• What things will be different for us when Jesus comes back on judgment day?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Discuss as a family three people you know who still don’t know Jesus as their Savior. What can you do to help them be ready for Jesus’ return?
• Compare and contrast worshiping Jesus on Sunday morning to worshiping Jesus when he returns. What will be the same? What will be different?

 

Read: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him. Therefore encourage one another with these words.
1 Thessalonians 4:13-14

Encourage Each Other

 

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

What a sad day! Everyone was crying when they heard the news—Kase had finally died. Kase was a young boy in preschool who had brain cancer. Many hoped and prayed that he would be cured of his cancer. But finally the day came when Kase’s body couldn’t take it anymore. Kase passed away. Students were sad. Teachers were sad. Parents were sad. How awful to lose this wonderful young boy in their lives!

Many of the parents of Kase’s classmates were extra sad. It was heartbreaking that their children had lost a friend. It hurt them to think about how sad it would be if their own child died. But then, one of Kase’s classmates helped change everyone’s thinking. A young boy named Cruz saw his parents crying and said, “Dad . . . Mom, why are you so sad? Kase is in heaven!” For Cruz the whole situation was very simple. Kase was now in heaven, and that is a reason to rejoice!

The Bible verses for day remind us why we can have an attitude like Cruz when fellow believers pass away. Sure, we will be sad. It always hurts to lose someone we are close to because we love them so much. But the apostle Paul says this, “You do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.” To grieve means to be really sad about something. Paul reminds us that we aren’t really sad about death like unbelievers who have no hope of ever seeing loved ones again. Yes, we have tears of sadness, but we also have tears of joy. Why? Because we have hope through Jesus Christ!

Paul goes on to explain that hope, “For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.” What amazing comfort! Because Jesus died and rose again to life, we can know with absolute certainly that “those who fall asleep in him”—those who die in faith—will rise to life with Jesus in heaven. It’s just like Jesus himself said, “Because I live, you also will live” (John 14:19).

Those who knew Kase were so sad when he died. But they also cried tears of joy knowing of hope through Jesus. Because of our Savior, the family and friends of Kase will see him again in heaven. The same is true for all believers who die in faith. Jesus died and rose again to life, and so will we. Death is not the end, it’s only the start as we go on to live with Jesus and all believers forever in heaven. And so, Christian friends, do what the apostle Paul says and, “encourage each other with these words.”

Closing Prayer:

Jesus, Lord of life and death, thank you for giving us hope. We know that because you died and rose again, all believers will also rise to life with you when they die. Comfort us in times of sadness and death with this good news. 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 causes people to be sad when someone dies?
• What causes believers to be happy when a believer dies?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What does the word hope mean?
• What is the hope that Christians have?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Explain this statement: Jesus rising from the dead is the single most important fact of all time.
• Discuss how the hope that Christians have is different than the kind of hope other people talk about (for example, “I hope my team wins,” or, “I hope it doesn’t rain.”).

 

Read: Mark 13:24-27

“But in those days, following that distress,

“‘the sun will be darkened,
and the moon will not give its light;
the stars will fall from the sky,
and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.’

“At that time people will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. And he will send his angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of the heavens.”
Mark 13:24-27

Chosen for Victory

 

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

“Oooh! Oooh! Pick me! Pick me!” All the kids at recess were yelling at Tony. Tony was an eighth grader who was big, strong, and very athletic. Clearly Tony was the best kickball player in school, and all the kids wanted to be on his team. “Tony! Over here!” “No, Tony! Me! Pick me!”

Not only was Tony super cool and super nice, everyone knew that if you were on Tony’s team you were basically guaranteed to win the game that day. Even if you weren’t good at kickball, with Tony on your team, victory would be yours. How wonderful for those chosen for Tony’s team, yet how sad for those on the other team!

There is a day coming soon when all people will be divided onto one side or the other. But this will not be for a worldwide kickball game. The event will be the Last Day, or judgment day, and all people will either be on Jesus’ side and go to heaven or Satan’s side and go to hell. Jesus himself describes this day in these verses from Mark 13. He says that he will come back in clouds with great power and glory and will send his angels to gather his elect, his chosen people.

You might wonder, “What do I need to do to be on that team?” But do not worry! Being on Jesus’ team does not depend on how good you are at kickball, how good of a Christian you are, how nice you are, how much you have cleaned your room, or how much you pray, “Oooh! Jesus! Pick me!” In fact, it doesn’t depend on you at all. Instead, it all comes down to Jesus and his undeserved love for you.

Jesus has forgiven any sins you have committed. He died for you to wash them away, and he rose to life to prove that he has won the victory over death and the devil—and that you will too! When we put our faith and trust in Jesus, that means we are believers and on “team Jesus” because we are Christians. So when Jesus comes back on the Last Day, we can know with confidence that we will be the people that Jesus gathers to his side in victory forever. How wonderful to know that by grace and through faith we are Jesus’ chosen people!

Closing Prayer:

Dear God, thank you for choosing me to be your own child through the life and death of your Son Jesus. Help me look forward to the day when you will come back and we can celebrate your victory forever. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

• How did Jesus defeat the devil?
• What do we call that day when Jesus will come back again?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• How can we be sure that Jesus has chosen us to be his own?
• If you going to heaven depended on what you did in your life, explain why that would cause a lot of fear and worries.

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Agree/Disagree: Because we don’t have to do anything to get to heaven, we don’t need to do anything as Christians living here in this world. Explain your answer.
• Discuss how God might use you and your family to help others be on the right “team” when Jesus comes back on judgment day.

 

Read: Malachi 4:1-3

“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. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves. Then you will trample on the wicked; they will be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day when I act,” says the Lord Almighty.
Malachi 4:1-3

Jump for Joy!

 

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

Have you ever seen a baby cow, a calf, released from its stall? Those young calves have so much energy! They don’t want to be enclosed behind a gate. When they are well-fed and well-rested, they can’t wait for the gate to be opened. Then, when it finally is, they leap out of the stall and jump around for joy!

In some ways, baby calves are kind of like school kids going outside for recess after lunch. They can’t wait to go and play! It’s always funny that one of the first things young kids do at recess when they go outside is to start running and shout, “Yaaaaay!” They are so happy! They can’t wait to play!

One day soon, every believer will have a moment like this! No, it’s not a special recess time just for Christians. This special moment will be on judgment day when Jesus comes back.

When we first hear the words of God through the prophet Malachi for the devotion today, we might be a little scared. God talks about coming back with judgment and with fire, and everything will be done away with and destroyed. That sounds scary!

But then we hear the good news for believers. God says, “But for you who revere my name [that’s believers], the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays.” This verse is talking about Jesus. Like a beautiful sunrise that shines light in the morning, so the Son of God will come back to shine on us with the light of his love. Because he has forgiven all our sins and given to us the victory over death, judgment day will simply be a day for all believers to celebrate. We will finally be able to live with God forever in the joy of heaven. It’s like an eternal recess where we can be happy and rejoice all the time forever and ever.

It’s no wonder that God also says this, “And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves.” We sure will! When Jesus comes back for us to give us the final victory and life in heaven, we will run and jump for joy like kids going out to recess . . . like calves released from the stall . . . or even better, like children of God who have just won the victory forever and ever. What a special day when all believers will run and jump for joy!

Closing Prayer:

Lord God, help us to be patient as we wait for Jesus to return on judgment day. We can’t wait to celebrate his victory when he returns! 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 might sound scary about judgment day?
• Why don’t believers need to be scared about judgment day?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• The Bible verse today said that Jesus will come back with “healing” on judgment day. Explain what kind of healing that is talking about.
• What are you looking forward to the most on judgment day?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Agree/Disagree: Jesus coming back on judgment day will be a surprise to believers. Explain your answer.
• For those who do not believe, judgment day will actually be a very scary day. Describe how that fact influences the way we live.

 

Read: Revelation 14:6-7

Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth—to every nation, tribe, language and people. He said in a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water.”
Revelation 14:6-7

Proclaim the Gospel!

 

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

Little Audrey loved to let her light shine. She was excited about her faith, and she was not afraid to show it. In church on Sunday mornings, Audrey could be heard saying the Lord’s Prayer louder than anyone else. She wasn’t being silly or rude, she was just happy to say that prayer like all the big people in church.

But it wasn’t only at church. Audrey talked about God in the classroom, on the playground, and on her sports teams. She even asked someone on an airplane once, “Do you believe in Jesus?” When they said, “No,” seven-year-old Audrey came right back with, “Well why not?!” Audrey loved Jesus so much that she wanted everyone to know about him and to be in heaven with her one day in the future.

The verses for this devotion are very special. The apostle John saw a vision of an angel flying through the air and proclaiming the gospel to all people. That word gospel means good news, and the good news is that Jesus is our Savior from sin. The Bible helps us to understand that this special vision was a prophecy—a promise about something, or someone, in the future.

We call ourselves Lutherans after the name of a great reformer, Martin Luther. Many people see him as a fulfillment of this vision. God used Martin Luther to help bring back the truth of the gospel, that good news that we are saved by God’s grace alone through faith in Jesus Christ. Martin Luther was a bold witness who helped preserve that message so that people all over the world could hear the good news. He was like the angel flying through the air in these verses.

But while Martin Luther is a part of this special vision, he’s not the only one. God has used many, many people over the years to help preach the gospel’s good news to other people all throughout the world. And you know what? That includes you! That’s right, when you act like little Audrey and talk about our Savior Jesus at school or on the playground, when you share the good news on an airplane or on a bus, or when adults share their faith at work or at the store—these are all examples of people that God is using to proclaim the good news of Jesus to others.

We Christians have heard the greatest news of all time. We believe in a Savior who lived and died for us to take away our sin, and who rose again to life so that we would rise to life in heaven. Now, God wants all people to know this gospel message, and he wants you to share it! So go, fly like an angel through the air to all the corners of the earth and proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ!

Closing Prayer:

Jesus, Lord of the Church, you send us out to make disciples of all nations. Help us to faithfully proclaim the truth of the gospel to all people everywhere we go. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

• What does the word gospel mean?
• What is the good news that God wants us to share with other people?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What are a couple reasons that people sometimes give for not wanting to share the gospel with others?
• Describe at least one way that we can overcome the temptation of not sharing the gospel with others.

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Not everyone can be a pastor, teacher, or missionary. But what is a way that you can share the gospel with someone?
• Discuss with your family people you know that have boldly proclaimed the truth of the gospel to you. Discuss a way that you can thank them for preaching the truth of God’s Word.

 

Read: Mark 13:5-11

You must be on your guard. You will be handed over to the local councils and flogged in the synagogues. On account of me you will stand before governors and kings as witnesses to them. And the gospel must first be preached to all nations. Whenever you are arrested and brought to trial, do not worry beforehand about what to say. Just say whatever is given you at the time, for it is not you speaking, but the Holy Spirit.
Mark 13:9-11

Bold Witnesses

 

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

“Church?! Why would you go to church?” Damien asked in disbelief. Aiden froze for a second. He didn’t know what to say. The two soccer teammates had been talking about their practice coming up on Sunday morning. Damien said he might be late to practice because he wanted to sleep in. Aiden chimed in and said he might be late too—but not because of sleep. Aiden said that he would be a little late to practice because he would be coming after church. That’s when Damien asked the tough question, “Church?! Why would you go to church?”

But after freezing for a second because he was afraid of what to say, Aiden suddenly had words come to mind. Very simply and yet confidently, Aiden said, “Our family goes to church to hear about Jesus’ love for us and to thank and praise him for that. Our pastor always has a great message, and our family never misses a service on Sunday.”

“Oh,” said Damien. (Now he was the one who didn’t know what to say.) But Aiden jumped in again. “Maybe your family should come to church with us some time. I think you would like it.” Damien thought for a moment and replied, “Maybe we will.”

In today’s Gospel, Jesus warned his disciples that following him would not always be easy. In fact, sometimes they would be put in difficult situations and have to be his witnesses before important and powerful people like rulers and kings. However, Jesus said that in those tough moments, the Holy Spirit would give them courage, strength, and the right words to talk about him. Sure enough, just as Jesus had foretold, the disciples did in fact become bold witnesses about the amazing news of Jesus’ death and resurrection for us.

Since the time of Jesus, many Christians have been in situations where it was difficult or even scary to talk about Jesus. This week we celebrate the Reformation of the Church. We remember that one of those many, many brave witnesses was Martin Luther. The Holy Spirit gave Martin Luther courage, strength, and the right words to stand before world leaders and speak the truth of being saved by God’s grace alone.

Just like Jesus’ disciples, just like Martin Luther, and just like Aiden, you can be a witness, too! Whether you are talking to a neighbor, a friend, a classmate, or a soccer teammate, be confident! God will give you courage, strength, and the right words to speak as a witness for Jesus!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Lord, you have promised to send your Holy Spirit to help us be bold witnesses to tell others about you. Give us courage and strength to share with all people your good news. 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 Jesus promise would help us share his Word with other people?
• What is the good news that we should share with others?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What does the word witness mean?
• What are real, practical ways that you can be a witness for the Lord?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• What do you think are the most challenging situations for young people to share their faith? Why?
• What do you think are the most challenging situations for adults to share their faith? Why?

 

Read: Isaiah 53:10-12

Yet it was the Lord’s will to crush him and cause him to suffer,
and though the Lord makes his life an offering for sin.
After he has suffered,
he will see the light of life and be satisfied;
by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many,
and he will bear their iniquities.
Therefore I will give him a portion among the great,
and he will divide the spoils with the strong,
because he poured out his life unto death,
and was numbered with the transgressors.
For he bore the sin of many,
and made intercession for the transgressors.
Isaiah 53:10-12

Who’s the Greatest?

 

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

“I am the greatest!” A famous boxer named Muhammed Ali made that statement in 1964 just before one of his big boxing matches. Ever since that day, many Americans hear that phrase and immediately think of that very famous man.

Being “great” is something that a lot of people hope for. Whether its athletes being great at their sports, musicians being great performers, or students being great in school and other activities—all people seem to have a desire to be great.

However, greatness doesn’t last very long. Great athletes get older and slower. Great singers lose their fame to new great singers. Great basketball teams are beaten by other great teams. And finally, every human being eventually dies. Our greatness doesn’t last.

But that’s not the case with Jesus. Jesus is the one and only who can say, “I am the greatest,” something that always has been and always will be true. But he didn’t say it. Jesus set aside his glory and honor in order to give up his life for you and for me. The words that we hear today are a prophecy from the prophet Isaiah spoken about 700 years before Jesus came to earth. The words tell us how Jesus would come to suffer and bear the sins of the world as he gave his life as an offering, or payment for all sin.

Jesus fulfilled this promise and did come to save us. So God the Father says about his Son in verse 12, “Therefore, I will give him a portion among the great.” Jesus has all glory and honor as the greatest—the one and only who lived, died, and rose again to save us from death and hell.

Because Jesus is so great, it is good for us to thank and to praise him. What a joy to worship our great Savior on Sunday! What a blessing to be able to pray to our great Lord and know that he listens to us! What a comfort to be able to put our hope and confidence in our great God! Rejoice that you know the one who actually is the greatest—Jesus Christ our Lord.

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus, how great and gracious you are, that you came to live and die for me. Now help me to thank and praise you in all that I 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 two people who are “great” in this world.
• Why is Jesus the greatest?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Satan is very powerful and dangerous! How do we know that Jesus is more powerful than Satan?
• Explain how the greatness of Jesus is so much different than the greatness people in this world think about.

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Isaiah spoke these words about Jesus’ suffering and dying 700 years before it happened. Explain why that is something that helps us to know that the Bible is truly God’s Word.
• We often talk about thanking and praising Jesus for what he has done. Give a real and practical way that you can do that in your life?