Read: 1 Corinthians 7:29-31

What I mean, brothers and sisters, is that the time is short. From now on those who have wives should live as if they do not; those who mourn, as if they did not; those who are happy, as if they were not; those who buy something, as if it were not theirs to keep; those who use the things of the world, as if not engrossed in them. For this world in its present form is passing away.
1 Corinthians 7:29-31

Follow Jesus by Honoring Jesus

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

Things are very different when time is running out! How a team plays in the first half of the game compared to how they play in the final 30 seconds when they are trying to come back and win is very different. How people shop for Christmas on December 1 compared to how they shop for last-minute gifts on the morning of Christmas Eve is very different. How you work on a science project a month before it is due compared to how you work on it the night before because you forgot is very different, too. When time is short, you live and act very differently!

That’s really what the apostle Paul is trying to help us understand in the verses for our devotion today. They might sound a little strange to us at first. Does Paul really mean that we should live as if we aren’t married, sad, happy, or like we don’t own anything? Well, not exactly.

It is a blessing to have a husband or wife. It is good for us to mourn when we are sad (like when a loved one dies), to be happy when good things happen, or to be thankful for the many possessions we have. Those things are good. But what the apostle wants us to understand is that none of those things—or anything else in life—should ever be more important than God. Why? Because time is running out!

We never know how many years God will bless us with in our lives in this world. We might live to be very old, but we might not. At the same time, our Lord Jesus might return on judgment day at any time. It could happen ten years, ten months, or ten minutes from now. Because our time is limited in this world, we shouldn’t get too attached to things of this world. Friends and family are wonderful. Money can be a blessing. School is good for you (yes, it really is). Toys, tools, and technology can be useful and fun. But finally, our relationship with Jesus is the one and only thing that will last forever.

Thank God that he has put us first in his heart by giving his Son Jesus to bring us forgiveness and to give us the gift of eternal life in heaven! Through Jesus we have a blessed relationship with God now in this world and forever in heaven. So enjoy your many blessings in this world. They are good gifts of God. But remember to put first in your heart the greatest blessing of all—a life with Jesus in heaven. What a joy it will be to be there in a place where time will never run out with him!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, you gave yourself in love to pay the price for my sins so that I can be a child of God. Help me show you love and honor now with the way that I live 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

• How did Jesus show us that he loves us so very much?
• What are some ways that you can show your love for Jesus?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What are some of your favorite earthly blessings that God has given to you?
• How might some of those good blessings turn into something that leads us to push God out of our lives?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Why do you think God doesn’t tell us when our life will end or when he will return on judgment day?
• Discuss real, practical ways that you can show honor and love for God this week.

Hymn: CW 453:1,4-5 – Come, Follow Me, the Savior Spoke

“Come, follow me,” the Savior spoke, “All in my way abiding.
Deny yourselves; the world forsake; Obey my call and guiding.
Oh, bear the cross, whate’er betide; Take my example for your guide.

“I teach you how to shun and flee What harms your souls’ salvation,
Your hearts from ev’ry guile to free, From sin and its temptation.
I am the refuge of the soul And lead you to your heav’nly goal.”

Then let us follow Christ our Lord And take the cross appointed
And, firmly clinging to his Word, In suff’ring be undaunted.
For those who bear the battle’s strain The crown of heav’nly life obtain.

Read: Mark 1:14-20

As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew 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.

When he had gone a little farther, he saw James son of Zebedee and his brother John in a boat, preparing their nets. Without delay he called them, and they left their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men and followed him.
Mark 1:16-20

Follow Me

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

What is your dream for the future? What would you like to do some day? Would you like to be a famous YouTuber? What about a movie star or popular singer? Do you have dreams of something extraordinary? Maybe you would like to be a dolphin trainer at SeaWorld or an astronaut that walks on the moon. Maybe you have big dreams of being a doctor, lawyer, or even the president someday. What fun to think and dream about what you want to do in the future!

I have one more suggestion for you: What if someday you could be someone that lots of people don’t like, that few people listen to—someone that most people want to go away and never come back. Sound like fun? Probably not.

When Jesus called Simon Peter and his brother Andrew and then James and his brother John to be his disciples, they dropped everything to follow him. They left behind their jobs as fishermen. They left their families and their friends. That’s tough enough. But do you think they would have done this if they had known how difficult it would be? If they knew how many people wouldn’t like them, wouldn’t listen to them, and would want them to go away and never come back, do you think they still would have followed Jesus that day? Would you have followed Jesus that day?

It can be a fun thing for us to dream about our future, but sometimes we focus too much on worldly things—being famous, being rich, being able to do whatever we think is fun. Those things might be blessings God gives us, but they are definitely not the most important things in life. What is most important is to know Jesus as our Savior, to trust in him, and to follow him. When we do that, Jesus is eager to give us eternal riches in heaven that are better than anything this world has to offer.

Jesus probably won’t appear to you like he did Peter, Andrew, James, and John and tell you to drop your math homework or your house chores to follow him (though that might be nice!). But Jesus does ask you to follow him by putting him first in your heart. Definitely follow your good and God-pleasing dreams for the future. But as you do, think of ways that you can use your gifts to serve Jesus and to share Jesus, just like those first disciples.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, by grace you have called us to be your disciples and to follow you. Help us to put you first in all we think, say, and do as we serve you 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 were the jobs of Peter, Andrew, James, and John before Jesus told them to follow him?
• What is the most important thing in the world that God wants us to tell other people?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What did Jesus mean when he told the disciples they would now be fishing for people?
• If you were one of those first four disciples, how do you think you would feel to leave everything to follow Jesus?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• What is something difficult about being a follower of Jesus today?
• Explain why problems and troubles can be blessings for us as disciples of Jesus.

Hymn: CW 453:1,2 – Come, Follow Me, the Savior Spoke

“Come, follow me,” the Savior spoke, “All in my way abiding.
Deny yourselves; the world forsake; Obey my call and guiding.
Oh, bear the cross, whate’er betide; Take my example for your guide.

“I am the light; I light the way, A godly life displaying.
I bid you walk as in the day; I keep your feet from straying.
I am the way, and well I show How you should journey here below.

Read: 1 Samuel 3:1-10

The LORD came and stood there, calling as at the other times, “Samuel! Samuel!”
Then Samuel said, “Speak, for your servant is listening.”
1 Samuel 3:10

Listen

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

“Layla… Layla… Layla! Are you even listening?” Layla’s mom asked with a very frustrated voice. “Huh?… Uh… yeah, mom. I heard you!” Layla said.

Layla wasn’t really being honest though. Sure, she heard her mom’s voice. But she wasn’t really listening to her mom. Apparently, YouTube videos of epic kitty fails were way more important to Layla. If she had been listening, she would have known that her mom had been calling her to come to dinner for over 10 minutes and now her food was completely cold!

Do you ever find this happening with the Lord? God calls out to you all the time through his Word—through pastors, teachers, and parents at church, in personal Bible reading, and in home devotions like this one. Sure, we hear God’s voice in his Word as he is speaking, but are we really listening to what he says?

Could it be that sometimes in church we are so distracted by the people around us that we aren’t even listening to what the pastor says? Are we too busy thinking about Netflix and Xbox instead of reading the Bible? Is something distracting you during this devotion right now? Oh, the things that Satan wants to use to keep us from actually listening to what God has to say to us!

Our prayer for today can be our prayer for every day, that he gives us a heart of faith that speaks the wonderful words of the young boy Samuel. God had been calling his name, “Samuel, Samuel!” but he was confused about what was happening. Finally, the priest Eli told Samuel what was happening and taught him what to say. The next time God called, Samuel answered, “Speak, for your servant is listening!”

What a blessing it would be for us to say these words every time we are around the Word of God! Through his Word God tells us how we have fallen short and sinned against him. But God also tells us the story of how he so loved the world that he sent his one and only Son Jesus. He tells us that in Jesus we have forgiveness and a new life of joy and an eternal life in heaven. And, God also tells us in his Word how we can live a life of thanks as we love him and love one another. There is nothing more special and important than what God says to us!

So the next time you are getting to hear or read God’s Word with an undistracted mind, say these humble words of faith, “Speak, Lord for your servant is listening.”

Closing Prayer:

Lord, we are so thankful you speak to us clearly through your Word. Help us not only to hear your words, but also to be humble servants who listen to what you say. 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 is it sometimes difficult to listen and pay attention in church?
• What can you do to be a better listener and worshiper in church?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Identify all the opportunities you have to listen to God’s Word in your life.
• When we spend more time listening to and focused on God’s Word, what blessings will come from that?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Why does Satan work so hard to distract us so that we might hear God’s Word but not actually listen?
• Each member of the family: Share one thing you would like to try this week to be a better listener to the Word of God.

Hymn: CWS 735:1,2 – Speak, O Lord

Speak, O Lord, as we come to you
To receive the food of your Holy Word.
Take your truth, plant it deep in us;
Shape and fashion us in your likeness
That the light of Christ might be seen today
In our acts of love and our deeds of faith.
Speak, O Lord, and fulfill in us
All your purposes for your glory.

Teach us, Lord, full obedience,
Holy reverence, true humility.
Test our thoughts and our attitudes
In the radiance of your purity.
Cause our faith to rise, cause our eyes to see
Your majestic love and authority.
Words of pow’r that can never fail,
Let their truth prevail over unbelief.

Read: Acts 16:25-34

He then brought them out and asked, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” They replied, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.”
Acts 16:30-31

What Must I Do?

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

Can you picture the scene? The ground had just finished rumbling from an earthquake. A man rushes to find that the place he was in charge of, the jail, had doors standing wide open. Oh no! He was going to be in big trouble if all the prisoners had escaped! This was the worst thing that could have possibly happened for the jailer in the city of Philippi.

But suddenly this worried and scared jailer heard the voice of the apostle Paul, “We are all here!”

What? How could this be? Why would the prisoners stay? What was going on here? There was something different about these prisoners named Paul and Silas who had been singing hymns all night long!

Still scared and confused, the jailer asked them, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” Now perhaps this man was worried about saving his life and not getting in trouble with his Roman government bosses. But more likely, this man recognized Paul and Silas were a different kind of people with a different kind of message. This jailer wanted to know what they knew—“How can I be saved spiritually?” Listen again to their beautiful response, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved—you and your household.”

What a wonderful message! The jailer wanted to know if he could do something to earn his way to heaven. But Paul and Silas shared with him the good news of the gospel—it’s already been done! The Lord Jesus has done it all! He came to live perfectly in the place of that jailer and all people. He came to die to pay for the sins of that jailer and all people. He rose to life to prove his victory to that jailer and to all people. There is nothing left to do, only to believe what has already been done by the Lord Jesus. And so, in the greatest miracle of this story, God worked faith in Jesus in the jailer’s heart. The jailer believed—he and his whole household—and they were then baptized as children of God’s eternal family.

Every Christian has a different story. Some join God’s family right away when they are baptized as infants. Some learn the good news of Jesus in school. Others hear about Jesus when they are adults, and still others when they are very old and near the end of life. But the wonder of God’s grace is that God has done all the work. God has saved each person through the life and death of Jesus, and God has worked faith in their hearts to believe it. What a blessing!

Want to know another blessing? You now know how to answer the most important question of all time! What must someone do to be saved? NOTHING! Simply believe in the Lord Jesus! Praise God…and tell others!

Closing Prayer:

God, I am so thankful that you have worked faith by the power of your Holy Spirit in my heart so that I believe in the Lord Jesus. Now help me to share with others the good news of our Savior so that they also might believe. 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 the jailer in this story so afraid?
• What did the jailer want to know from Paul and Silas?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• The most important thing for all people in the world is to know how to get to heaven. What’s the simple answer you can share with those who don’t know?
• Do you know anyone who doesn’t believe in Jesus? How or when could you share the good news with them?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Explain this statement in your own words: The jailer asked a question of works, but Paul and Silas gave an answer of faith.
• Some have said there are really only two kinds of religions in the world—religions based on good works and religions based on grace. What does that mean?

Hymn: CW 89:1,4,6 – To Jordan’s River Came Our Lord

To Jordan’s river came our Lord, The Christ, whom heav’nly hosts adored,
The God from God, the Light from Light, The Lord of glory, pow’r, and might.

Then from God’s throne with thund’rous sound Came God’s own voice with words profound:
“This is my Son,” was his decree, “The one I love, who pleases me.”

Now rise, faint hearts: be resolute! This man is Christ, our substitute!
He was baptized in Jordan’s stream, Proclaimed Redeemer, Lord supreme.

Read: Mark 1:4-11

At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”
Mark 1:9-11

This is My Son

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

Andre was beaming with joy. Friend after friend and family member after family member came to visit in the hospital room. Even after 20 different visitors, the joy didn’t get old. Each time Andre held up his new baby boy like it was the opening scene from The Lion King as he announced to each visitor, “This is my son. His name is Ty.” Every single person knew without a doubt that Andre loved his dear son so very much.

Of course, the joy of that day didn’t last so long. Soon Andre was changing diapers that looked like an explosion had taken place. Not long after that, Andre was battling temper tantrums over toddler toys. A few years later, Andre was pulling out whatever hair he had left on his head trying to figure out how he and his wife could be better parents. He still loved his growing son Ty, but sin always makes our human relationships so difficult!

Today we hear about the famous story of Jesus’ baptism. What a spectacular event! The Son of God was present in the water of the Jordan River, the Holy Spirit was descending as a dove, and the Father declared from the heavens, “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” As Father, Son, and Holy Spirit were all present for this special event, everyone there that day and everyone who has read the story since then knows without a doubt that this Son Jesus is special and dearly loved by his heavenly Father.

But here’s something else special about this story. The relationship between Jesus and his Father was never strained by sin. There was never any sassy talk or temper tantrum for Jesus. There was never pouting or shouting and never any disobedience. There wasn’t one sin ever from Jesus! In the same way, there was never one time that the Father failed to show love to his Son Jesus. It was only a perfect relationship of love all the time between this Father and Son! If only we had perfect relationships like this in our lives!

Actually, we do! The marvel of this story is that Jesus stood there in the waters of the Jordan River for us. He came to be the perfect Son because we fail to be perfect. He came to live for us and then die for us to erase all our sins. He came to clothe us in all of his forgiveness and perfection so that we can have a new life and a new relationship with God. When the waters of your baptism touched you, God opened up the heavens once more and declared, “This is my son/my daughter, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” Jesus has given to us a perfect relationship with his heavenly Father by his grace. It’s given to you in your baptism, and it’s a relationship that will last for all eternity. Praise God for his love!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for coming to be my substitute and Savior so that I can become a baptized and dearly loved child of God. 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 were the three persons of our God that were present at Jesus’ baptism?
• How does God act as a perfect father to us?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Have you been baptized? (Check with your parents.) When? Ask your parent(s) what that day was like.
• Your heavenly Father loves you and is pleased with you, just as he is with his Son Jesus. How can knowing that help you in your everyday life?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• What are ways that your family does already—or could in the future—celebrate and remember your baptism?
• Family discussion: What reminders of baptism and/or our three-in-one God do you have in your church or in your worship services at church? (Hint: Look for symbols or visuals in windows, on furniture, in a bulletin, etc.)

Hymn: CW 89:1,3-4 – To Jordan’s River Came Our Lord

To Jordan’s river came our Lord, The Christ, whom heav’nly hosts adored,
The God from God, the Light from Light, The Lord of glory, pow’r, and might.

As Jesus in the Jordan stood And John baptized the Lamb of God,
The Holy Spirit, heav’nly dove, Descended on him from above.

Then from God’s throne with thund’rous sound Came God’s own voice with words profound:
“This is my Son,” was his decree, “The one I love, who pleases me.”

Read: Matthew 2:1-12

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
Matthew 2:1-2

The Magi Meet the King

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

It’s a new year! Of all the people making predictions for the year ahead, who do you trust?

In our last devotion we heard a prediction God made through the prophet Isaiah: “Nations will come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your dawn.” Today’s reading tells us how that prediction came true. It’s the story of the first people from other nations who came to worship Jesus, the light of the world.

The story of the Magi’s visit to Jesus actually starts before they boarded the camels bound for Bethlehem. The Magi were very well-educated people who lived in the nations east of Bethlehem. These studious people knew that the Jewish nation was waiting for a Messiah to be born. How did they know? Several generations earlier, the Jewish people had spent years in captivity in the eastern nation of Babylon. The Magi likely learned about the promised Messiah while the Jews were living among them. Jewish prophets like Isaiah had called the Messiah a king. That information was passed down through generations. So the Magi began to look for the “King of the Jews.”

Although Jesus was called the King of the Jews, the story of the Magi shows us that Jesus is a King for all nations. God made it possible for the Magi to learn about Jesus, even though they lived far from where He was born. God made them curious about the predictions. Then by putting the unique star in the sky, God made it possible for the Magi to find Jesus and worship him. The Magi learned something very important: This God—the one worshiped by the Jewish people—was trustworthy and his promises came true.

Notice that the Magi’s journey to Jesus began with God’s Word and promises. Those promises were talked about and kept alive for generations. By his grace, God continues to lead people to Jesus through his true and trustworthy Word. When your family gathers together around God’s Word, you are listening to the most credible and trustworthy voice you can find. Want to know how much God loves you? It’s in the Word. Want to know the plans God has for your future? It’s in the Word. Want to point someone to Jesus and his forgiveness? Share the Word.

Every prediction in God’s Word has already come true, except one—Jesus’ return on the last day of the earth’s existence. Until then, let us worship our king and share what we know about him with all people of all nations!

Closing Prayer:

Oh Jesus, my King, thank you for leaving your heavenly throne to live here on earth and be my Savior. I know that everything written about you is true. As you led the Magi to meet you, lead me closer to worship you through your Word. 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

• How did God make it possible for the Magi to find Jesus?
• Give two ways or places that God makes it possible for you to find Jesus.

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What does the story of the Magi teach us about Jesus?
• A star guided the Magi’s way to Jesus. What are some ways that God leads people to see Jesus today? (cf. 2 Peter 1:19-21)

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Why do you think the Magi were so interested in finding “the King of the Jews?”
• Identify promises God makes in his Word that you have found to be trustworthy and true in your life.

Hymn: CW 81:2,4 – Arise and Shine in Splendor

See earth in darkness lying,
The heathen nations dying
In hopeless gloom and night.
To you the Lord of heaven—
Your life, your hope—has given
Great glory, honor, and delight.

Your heart will leap for gladness
When from the realms of sadness
They come from near and far.
Your eyes will wake from slumber
As people without number
Rejoice to see the Morning Star.

Read: Colossians 3:12-17

Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts.
Colossians 3:15

The Peace of Christ Fills Our Hearts

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

“You cannot have dessert until you eat your dinner,” Mom says with wisdom. She knows that if you fill your belly with sweets, you won’t eat the good food that is nutritious and beneficial for you.

What’s true for our bellies is also true for our hearts, spiritually speaking. In our reading today, the apostle Paul tells us what God wants to fill our hearts: the peace of Christ. That’s the quietness and contentment we have because we know Jesus and his forgiveness. It’s the good stuff that allows us to grow and thrive.

Still, we look longingly at the sweets—things that are not good for us—and we are tempted. Why is that? We are born with sin in our hearts, and we sin because we are weak. Sometimes we even scheme to get the things we crave, even if they are not good for us. Who of us has not hidden some of that Christmas candy to eat between meals?

Fortunately, Jesus earned forgiveness for all our sins, big and small. When we repent, that is, turn away from our sins and turn to Jesus for forgiveness, we have it. The bad stuff is washed away, and peace can fill our hearts. Our reading even goes so far as to say that the peace of Christ can “rule” in our hearts. That means the peace of Jesus wins every time … sin loses!

With temptations all around us, we need to be strong, filled with the powerful peace Jesus provides. God in his wisdom sets good, nutritious food right before us in his Word. Each time we hear gospel-filled words like, “You are mine,” “you are dearly loved,” and “forgive as the Lord forgave you,” the Holy Spirit is giving us spoonsful of nourishment for our faith. That’s when peace fills us up and strengthens us. Then we have more power to do the kinds of things strong Christians do: show compassion and kindness to others, be gentle and patient with others, be humble. These are difficult things to do, especially if others around us are not kind, compassionate, or humble. But the peace of Christ strengthens us.

All this growth and strength doesn’t happen overnight. We are always learning and growing. We get stronger and more mature in our faith when we feast on God’s Word—the good stuff—and hear that message of peace daily, so it fills our hearts.

Soon, the Christmas candy and the sweets of the season will be gone. The peace of Christ proclaimed at Christmas will last and has the power to make us stronger. Let’s fill up on that gospel peace every day!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Savior, please let your peace fill my heart and rule over sin. Never let me forget the peace I have in you. Help me build spiritual strength, so that others may see my behavior and know that I am your child. 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 there a sin you keep doing, even though you try not to do it? What does Jesus do with that sin?
• How can you grow stronger in your faith? What does God provide that strengthens your faith?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What does the peace of Christ mean to you? Why does it matter?
• When the peace of Christ fills your heart, describe how you think it would impact your behavior. Why does that matter?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• What temptations do you struggle with? What happens to your desire for sin when the peace of Christ fills your heart?
• Name one wholesome habit you would like to put in place to be sure you are receiving spiritual nutrition from God’s Word every day.

Hymn: CW 32:1,2,5 – When Sinners See Their Lost Condition

When sinners see their lost condition
And feel the pressing load of sin
And Jesus comes on his blest mission
To heal the sin-sick heart within
All grief must flee before his grace,
And joy divine will take its place.

When Jesus enters meek and lowly
To fill the home with sweetest peace,
When hearts have felt his blessing holy
And found from sin complete release,
Then calm and joy within shall reign
And hearts divided love again.

Oh, may he soon to every nation
Find entrance where he is unknown,
With life and light and free salvation,
That Satan’s power be overthrown,
And healing to all hearts may come
In heathen land and Christian home!

Read: Luke 2:25-40

For my eyes have seen your salvation.
Luke 2:30

Simeon Saw the Peace of Christ in Person

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

Your family is home together, and everyone is busy with school or work. Suddenly, Dad lets out a loud chuckle. Something he is watching is VERY funny.

“Let me see! I want to see!” the children cry as they run to Dad’s lap. Everyone wants to see for themselves what made Dad laugh out loud.

There is something rather special about seeing something with our own eyes. Simeon knew that. God had promised Simeon that he would see the Savior Christ with his own eyes before he died. Simeon believed God and was waiting patiently for that day.

On that special day, the Holy Spirit moved Simeon to walk out into the temple court. Maybe he needed to stretch his legs. Maybe he heard the soft cries of the baby Jesus and was drawn to the noise. When Simeon’s eyes fell upon the child in Mary’s arms, he immediately knew he was seeing something special. He broke into song:

“Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,
you now dismiss your servant in peace.
For my eyes have seen your salvation,
which you have prepared in the sight of all people.”

Not only did Simeon know who Jesus was; he also knew what Jesus would do—bring salvation to all people. As a faithful servant in God’s temple, Simeon knew a Messiah, or Savior, would be born into the world (Isaiah 7:14) and he would bear the sins of many (Isaiah 53:12). Simeon was carefully and constantly watching for these promises to happen.

When God finally allowed Simeon to gaze into the eyes of his Savior, Simeon knew that the child looking back at him could see right into his heart and see the sin living there. Through eyes of faith, God allowed Simeon to see that this child would take away Simeon’s sin and give him peace with God. That moved Simeon to burst into praise!

What does God see when he looks into your heart? Sadly, he sees sin living there. Whether we like it or not, whether we see it or not, we sin daily. Happily, we know from the Bible what Jesus did with our sin: He paid for it all through his death on the cross. Like Simeon, when we look with eyes of faith at Jesus, we see our Savior for who he really is—the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world (John 1:29). Now, because of what Jesus did, God sees us as his forgiven, sinless children.

Simeon could leave this world in peace. We can leave our devotion time together at peace, knowing Jesus brings us peace for each day, now and for eternity.

Closing Prayer:

Loving Savior, when I see my sins, let me also see your forgiveness. I know that you lived, died, and rose to bring me peace. Thank you for doing that for me, and for all 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 does Jesus see when he looks into your heart?
• What does your heart look like after you ask for forgiveness?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What prompted Simeon to burst into song?
• How do you feel when you see Jesus through faith and remember what he has done for you?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• What role did the Holy Spirit play in the story of Simeon?
• Explain how our family can see Jesus, even though we are living centuries after his birth. (cf. John 5:39 and 1 Corinthians 2:12 for help).

Hymn: CW p. 61 – Song of Simeon

In peace, Lord, you let your servant now depart according to your word.
For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared for every people.
A light to lighten the Gentiles and the glory of your people Israel.

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!”
Isaiah 52:7

Rejoice in the Good News of Salvation

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

Two and a half years ago, a soccer team and their coach went exploring in a cave. While they were in there, monsoon rains hit and the cave’s entrance flooded. The coach and twelve players, ages 11-16, were trapped two miles deep. With only a rope and flashlight—no extra food or water—they had no hope.

Cave diving experts from around the world flew in to plan the extremely dangerous rescue operation. One rescuer died trying to get to the boys. Eventually, over two weeks later, rescuers made their way to those who were stranded and losing hope. They took these boys one at a time and led them to freedom.

There is nothing in the world like seeing the face (or the feet) of someone who is there to save you.

When Adam and Eve (the first two people God created) disobeyed God, their sin trapped all of us in a cave. There was no way any of us could crawl or swim our way out. Without someone to search for us, we would be forever trapped and die alone.

God knew how desperate we were, so he planned a rescue. The Bible tells us that when the time had fully come, when everything was just right, Jesus left the glory of heaven to come to the darkness of earth. He lived perfectly in our place and then took the punishment we deserved. It cost him his life to rescue us. But he didn’t stay dead. He came back to life! How beautiful are the face and feet of Jesus, our Rescuer!

There is nothing in the world like seeing his face as a baby in a manger. It means Jesus has come to save us. But there still people who don’t know the good news about Jesus’ rescue. This means they are still trapped in the dark and don’t know how to get out.

That’s where God can use your face and feet. Go to them. Tell them that God reigns, that there is hope, that there is a way out, that there is salvation, that there is freedom. Sharing Jesus makes your face and feet beautiful!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank you for rescuing us when we were trapped in the pit of our sins. May our feet find someone to tell the beautiful news of your rescue for us. Amen.

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

Questions for All Ages

• Hold your breath as long as you can. What did it feel like to finally get air?
• Compare this to being trapped and finally getting freedom.
• Name someone you know who doesn’t know or believe in Jesus’ rescue.
• Discuss how you might invite that person to join you in worship this Christmas.

Hymn: CW 38:1-3 – From Heaven Above to Earth I Come

“From heav’n above to earth I come To bear good news to ev’ry home;
Glad tidings of great joy I bring, Whereof I now will say and sing:

“To you this night is born a child Of Mary, chosen virgin mild;
This little child of lowly birth Shall be the joy of all the earth.

“This is the Christ, our God most high, Who hears your sad and bitter cry;
He will himself your Savior be From all your sins to set you free.

Read: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Live Your Life in the Light

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

Some families have a “chore board.” It’s a list of things for children to do to help out in the family, whether it’s wipe off the counter, help with the laundry, empty the dishwasher, mow the lawn, or mop the floor.

God, your heavenly Father, has a chore board for you too. But they aren’t really chores. It’s more like God’s list of things that people who are part of his family naturally do. It’s part of a longer list, but today’s Bible reading gives us three to start with:

First, he wants you to rejoice always. Rejoice is a pretty church-y word. It means God wants you to show joy all the time. Not only when things happen that you like, but even when you’re sad and hurting. It’s more than the joy you feel at Christmas or when you get a new puppy. It’s the happiness you feel when you know you’re safe and secure because Jesus has made you part of God’s family. It’s the joy of knowing you belong to him—forever.

Secondly, God wants you to pray continually. That doesn’t mean you can’t do anything except pray. It means that you never stop talking to God first, all the time. When you’re sad, let God know how much your heart hurts and that you need him. Then go get a hug from your mom or dad. When you’re wondering how you should deal with a bully, talk to the school counselor, but don’t forget to also ask God to give you his wisdom and courage. When you have good news and want to share it, thank God first for the amazing news! Then share it with your friends.

Thirdly, God wants you to give thanks in all circumstances. Corrie ten Boom is a good example of this. She and her sister were in a big prison, called a concentration camp. Their bed was full of bugs. That’s when her sister thanked God for the fleas. Corrie didn’t think she’d ever be thankful for bugs that bit her. While stuck in this miserable situation, they studied their smuggled Bible with other prisoners. Later they learned that the fleas kept the prison guards away, which let them tell the other prisoners about Jesus. Corrie was now thankful for the fleas.

God’s to-do list isn’t long, but it’s what he truly wants us to be doing. May God help you rejoice, pray, and give thanks your whole life!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Father, I don’t pray all the time, I’m not joyful all the time, and I’m not thankful all the time. I’m sorry. Thank you that Jesus paid for all the times I don’t do these three things. Help me see your to-do list as a blessing and not a chore.

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 things that makes you happy.
• If it’s a person, who should we pray for?
• If it’s a thing, what are you thankful for?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What in your life feels like bugs biting you? How can we thank God for them?
• Name three blessings from God in your life that make you happy.

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Discuss with your parents the one thing really bothering right now that God wants to use for your good. (Hint: It can’t be a sibling.)
• Today’s devotion encouraged more happiness, prayer, and giving thanks. Which of those three do you want to focus on the rest of this week?

Hymn: CW 19:1 – O Lord, How Shall I Meet You

O Lord, how shall I meet you, How welcome you aright?
Your people long to greet you, My Hope, my heart’s Delight.
O Jesus, let your Word be A lamp to light my way,
To show me how to please you, To guide me ev’ry day.

Read: John 1:6-8, 19-28

He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe.
John 1:7-8

John Proclaimed the Light of the World

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

I am pretty sure an angel didn’t show up at your dad’s job to let him know you’d be born. But that’s how Zechariah learned about his son John. (Some people call him John the Baptist.) God had a specific job in mind for John’s life: Tell the truth about Jesus to as many people as possible.

When he was old enough (after his parents had raised him and taught him all about the Scriptures and the promise of a Savior) John didn’t head off to college. Instead, John went into the desert wearing camel’s hair clothes and eating locusts and honey. He started to preach, telling people to repent, be baptized, and prepare for the Savior who was coming very, very soon.

You might not think that would make him popular, but it did. Crowds of people—children, teens, and adults—all came out to listen to him. That’s because what sounds like bad news (repent of your sins) was actually good news instead. He pointed to the Savior who would be punished for their sin and give them credit for his perfection.

You weren’t announced by an angel, but God still has a specific plan for your life. When God says that he “knit you together” at birth, it means he made you exactly as he wanted you to be.

And if that isn’t amazing enough, he knew you would be his child before he even created the world. Now your whole point of living is the same as John’s: “to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe.” The bonus is that you don’t have to shout in a desert and wait for people to come to you like John did! You can wear normal clothes and eat normal foods. Just be yourself! Whether you are walking into school, sports practice, music lessons, or around town , use the special gifts and talents God gave you to share him. That glorifies him and how he created you. You get to use your words to tell people about the one who saved them from their sins. Then tell them that the Savior who came once is coming back again.

As much as that is good news, it isn’t always easy to say. It might get hard for you too. Someone might get mad at you, or they may think you’re weird. That’s okay. Just remember, you’re sharing God’s good news!

Your job this Christmas is this: Proclaim the Light! Just like John.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, just as John had a purpose to be a witness about you, I know my purpose too. Give me courage to testify about you as the Light of the world and tell people the truth about you, forgiveness, and eternal life in heaven. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

• Name a friend of yours who doesn’t know about Jesus.
• Say out loud what you want them to know about Jesus.

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Who are your best friends?
• What are ways that your friends know you believe in and belong to Jesus?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Talk about a time you weren’t picked for something special. What did you feel like when that happened?
• Read Ephesians 1:4. How does hearing that God picked you before creation for his purpose change how you feel about yourself?

Hymn: CW 13:1 – There’s a Voice in the Wilderness Crying

There’s a voice in the wilderness crying, A call from the ways untrod:
Prepare in the desert a highway, A highway for our God!
The valleys shall be exalted, The lofty hills brought low;
Make straight all the crooked places Where the Lord our God may go!

Read: 2 Peter 3:8-14

But the day of the Lord will come like a thief … [so] what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives.
2 Peter 3:10-11

Prepare Your Heart for Jesus’ Sudden Return

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

Tom and Jennifer’s home on a school morning can best be described as organized chaos. Parents of three children, a typical morning goes something like this: Child 1 intently watches videos about lawn mowers. Child 2 is bouncing off the walls with excitement that he gets to go to school. Meanwhile, Child 3 is still in bed ten minutes before everyone has to leave. Jennifer works full time, so both she and Tom work hard to be on the same page and get out the door in time for school and work. To assist them, they lay out the day’s clothing that everyone will wear the night before. They pack the backpacks before going to bed. If cold lunch is the school choice of the day, then lunches are made the night before. All these little steps may not seem like much, but they help to make an already hectic morning go smoothly so everyone gets out the door and to school on time.

As we look to the manger and to the sky for Christ’s return, we do not know when that will be. His timing is on a completely different level than ours. Peter says, “But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. … Make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.” The best place to be ready is in your heart. What steps help get us ready? We can pick out clothes to wear like patience, kindness, and gentleness. We can take the time to be in God’s word to start, end, and get us through our day. We can pack our spiritual lunches with little prayers asking God to help us be ready for his return. We can fill our backpacks with his promises that he came as the babe of Bethlehem to give us rest and peace, and he will come again as the Prince of peace to take us from the chaos and craziness of this sin-darkened world into his light-filled presence.

Missing or being late to school is one thing. Missing or being unprepared for Christ’s return is a completely different and more serious matter. So pack up, dress up, and be ready!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Lord, strip away from my holidays this year anything that would keep me from being ready for your arrival. Take away any pressure and weariness. Give me a quiet mind and a heart spilling over with joy. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

• When Jesus returns for us, what special place does he want to take us?
• Like getting ready to go to school, name one thing that will help you get ready for Jesus this Christmas.

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Discuss a time you were late or missed out on something. How did you feel?
• Why does God want us to be ready for his sudden return on judgment day?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Agree or Disagree: We should be afraid of judgment day.
• Which one best prepares you for Jesus’ return on judgment day: 1) your parents 2) your phone 3) your Bible? Explain why.

Hymn: CW 14:1,5 – Arise, O Christian People

Arise, O Christian people! Prepare yourselves today.
Prepare to greet the Savior; Who takes your sins away.
To us by grace alone The truth and light were given;
The promised Lord from heaven to all the world is shown.

Prepare my heart, Lord Jesus; Turn not from me aside,
And help me to receive you this blessed Advent-tide.
From stall and manger low Come now to dwell within me;
I’ll sin your praises gladly And forth your glory show.

Read: 1 Peter 3:18-22

This water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a good conscience toward God. It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 3:21

Baptism Prepares Us for Jesus’ Coming

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

Is it four or five? What exactly am I asking you? That’s the number of baths and showers Ian, Lincoln, and Nolan took in one day this past summer. Their parents recently built a new home, and with new construction comes new and exciting things to play with … particularly MUD. Lots and lots of mud! Sprinkle in some of God’s rain, and they had themselves a muddy mess. Add a pinch of three boys drawn to dirt and grime and, voila! The three little brothers were covered from head to toe … in mud.

The first time the parents cleaned them up was amusing. But by the third and fourth times in the SAME day, for multiple days? Um, not so much. There was mud on new white walls, lost clothing because of mud, plugged bathtub drains … mud made for a real disaster.

On a bigger scale, the human race in Noah’s day really “muddied” things up with their lack of trust and love for God. We are no different today. We can shower and put on our best clothes, but beneath the dress pants and shirt lies a heart caked with the mud of our sin. Left to ourselves, we deserved to sink into the pit of despair. But enter our Savior Jesus who in his willingness said “As you wish” to God and laid down his life for us. He lowered himself into the muddy pit to rescue us! And now the water of baptism is not only simple water that washes away dirt, it assures us that ALL our sins are washed away. Not a single muddy streak remains!

Coming this Christmas is someone who will make us clean and keep our consciences clear. So look to the manger, look to the skies, and take heart. Jesus is coming to earth so he can one day take us to be with him in heaven. Be assured that you, as a baptized child of God, are already showered and ready to go!

Closing Prayer:

Thank you, heavenly Father, for the Christmas gift of my baptism. In it, you washed away all my sins and said I am your child. Help me improve my obedience to live my life 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

• Because we are muddy inside, what water did God use to wash us?
• Ask your parents to share the story of your baptism day.

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Have your parents help you find your baptism certificate. Then read it out loud and discuss what it says.
• What were the most important words spoken at your baptism? (hint: every WELS Family Devotion begins with them!)

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Growing up can be hard. If you struggle being comfortable with who you are, how does your baptism give you identity?
• If baptism is an important part of our identity, name someone you know and care about who may not yet be baptized. Discuss what you might say in order share with them God’s wonderful promise of washing!

Hymn: CW 299:1 – All Who Believe and Are Baptized

All who believe and are baptized
Shall see the Lord’s salvation;
Baptized into the death of Christ,
They are a new creation.
Through Christ’s redemption they shall stand
Among the glorious, heav’nly band
Of ev’ry tribe and nation.

Read: Mark 13:32-37

“What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’”
Mark 13:37

Watch for Jesus Coming

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

Two brothers rode the bus to school every weekday morning. Between 7:00 and 7:30 am, the bus would stop outside their home. The boys would run outside and hop on for the short ride to their grade school. Mom made them responsible to get ready each morning and to watch for the bus so that it didn’t come and go without them on it.

One morning, they were playing with each other and fooling around instead of watching for the bus. The unthinkable happened—the bus arrived and then left, but they weren’t on it. Despite having a small window of time to keep watch, they were not alert to its coming and going. They missed the bus. Their mom was upset when they called and admitted their mistake. She had to rearrange her schedule and drive out of her way to come home in order to take them to school.

The Christmas season will soon be here! The days before it are called the season of Advent. Advent is like a small window of time to keep watch. For what should we be watching? How easy to be distracted by the glitz and glitter of Christmas lights and trees. Will our eyes miss the true reason we love this time of year? It is not gifts, decorations, and holiday parties. It’s the incredible, almost unbelievable blessing of Jesus who once left a perfect heaven and came to this imperfect earth to be with us. Why? Because that’s the only way we someday can leave this imperfect earth to be with him in a perfect heaven.

The people of the Old Testament did not know when that first Christmas would arrive. They heard God’s promises that it would be coming. So they watched for them to be fulfilled. As we celebrate Jesus’ first coming to earth on Christmas, we also need to keep our focus on the day of his second coming to take us away from earth to be with him in heaven. Before he ascended into heaven, Jesus promised, “About that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father” (Mark 13:32). Because we are unaware of the timing of Jesus second coming, it is so important that we be prepared to go at all times. That’s why Jesus encourages, “Be on guard! Be alert!” If he comes suddenly, do not let him find you sleeping. (Mark 13:33,36).

Our God loves us enough to give us a warning to keep watch, to keep our eyes locked on Jesus despite the distractions and sin of the world.

So keep watch! When Jesus comes, you don’t want to miss the bus.

Closing Prayer:

Jesus, you have planted in us the hope of your coming again. In these days of Advent, keep us alert and watchful for an eternal Christmas that will never end. 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

• Whose birth do we celebrate at Christmas?
• Until it’s Christmas, what does Jesus want us to be doing?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• When will Jesus return to take us to heaven?
• Why does Jesus warn us to keep watch?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Name two specific ways that you can stay focused on Jesus during the Advent season.
• Think of the name of one person who may be unaware of Jesus’ coming. How can you help them keep watch for Jesus?

Hymn: CW 9:1,5 – Jesus, Your Church with Longing Eyes

Jesus, your church with longing eyes
For your expected coming waits.
When will the promised light arise
And glory beam from heaven’s gates?

Teach us in watchfulness and prayer
To wait for your appointed hour,
And fit us by your grace to share
The triumphs of your conqu’ring pow’r.

Read: Luke 17:11-19

Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.
Luke 17:17-19

Our King Heals Body and Soul

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

Melpomeni Dina is a 92-year-old woman. Over 75 years ago, during World War II, Melpomeni and her family hid a family of Jewish people in their home in Greece to protect them from the German Nazi soldiers. Because Melpomeni and her family bravely hid this Jewish family in their home, the family survived World War II and were kept safe from those who wanted to harm them.

Seventy-five years later, one of the surviving children of that Jewish family asked to be reunited with Melpomeni. The first thing this person, now 86-years-old herself, did was throw her arms around Melpomeni in a hug and tell her, “Thank you,” over and over again. How good it felt for that Jewish woman to find the person who had rescued her so many years earlier and thank her face to face!

In our Bible verses for today, we also see someone returning to say thank you for saving their life. Ten men with leprosy had begged for Jesus to heal them. Leprosy was an awful disease that often led to a slow and painful death . When the lepers begged Jesus to have pity on them, Jesus did something interesting. Jesus told them to go to the priest and show themselves to him. While on the way there, they were suddenly healed of their disease! Jesus had healed them! Their lives were spared!

Sadly, only one of the ten men healed returned to thank Jesus for being healed. How good it must have felt that day for that cured man to thank Jesus face-to-face.

In this story we see the awesome power of Jesus to heal both our body and soul. Jesus loves us and cares for all our needs—both physical and spiritual. Whenever we are sick, we can pray to Jesus for healing with full confidence that he has the power to heal us!

Even more importantly, when we recognize the sickness of our sinfulness and repent of the sins we commit each day, we can trust how Jesus healed us by removing the horrible disease of our sins. Cleansed and forgiven, let us return often to Jesus and thank him for what he has done to make us well! Someday, in the glory of heaven, we will be able thank him face to face!

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank you for loving us and having care and compassion on us. You have proven that you have the power to heal both our physical and spiritual sicknesses. Thank you for taking care of our worst sickness—sin—and earning us an eternal home in heaven where there will be no more sickness or sin to bother us! Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

• After hearing today’s devotion, what is the sickness Jesus came to cleanse us from? Why is it the worst? (Hint: It’s not a physical sickness!)
• Name a sick person you would like to pray for Jesus to help today.

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Discuss why you would take the time to cry out to Jesus when you or someone in your family is sick.
• Sometimes sickness ends in death. Why can we still be thankful?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Today’s reading tells us the one leper who returned to thank Jesus was a Samaritan. Why was that surprising?
• What are three ways you can thank Jesus today for the spiritual and physical healing he has given you in your life?

Hymn: CW 385:1,4 – Chief of Sinners, Though I Be

Chief of sinners though I be,
Jesus shed his blood for me,
Died that I might live on high,
Lives that I might never die.
As the branch is to the vine,
I am his and he is mine!

Chief of sinners though I be,
Christ is all in all to me.
All my wants to him are known;
All my sorrows are his own.
Safe with him in earthly strife,
I await the heav’nly life.