Read: Joel 2:12-19

“Even now,” declares the LORD, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” Rend your heart and not your garments. Return to the LORD your God, for he is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.
Joel 2:12-13

Repentance is Our First Priority

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

Did you hear the first two words we read from Joel? “Even now.” God just told his people that an army was coming to destroy them because they refused to repent of their sins to him. (Repent means to be sorry.) Can you imagine how the people felt after hearing that? “An army is coming to destroy us? We need to fight… or run… or panic!”

Then come those two words, “Even now.” Even while you’re worried about so many things; even as these things are about to happen… even now there is still something else that is important. First, repent. Return.

The way he says it in the Bible is to “fast and weep and mourn” and to “rend (that means to rip) your heart”—all of them are ways to show that a person is sorry for what they did and trust in God to forgive them. When something is really troubling you, do you feel like eating or smiling?

God doesn’t just give a threat: “Repent… or else! Or “You better repent because destruction is coming!” He also gives a promise: “Repent because the LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and abounding in love, and he relents from sending calamity.”

See, we repent for two reasons. First, we know that what we do is so rude and nasty to God, it gives him a bad reputation when people see us behaving like that. Sin is never okay and never good. Our sin is bad. So bad, we repent. But second, we also repent because God is gracious and promises to forgive.

When you get in trouble with your parents, if you know that they are going to punish you, you often try your best to hide what you did. If God was only a God who punished us, we would do the same. We would hide from God like Adam and Eve did in the Garden of Eden. We would never confess our sins to God. But if you have parents who always forgive you even though there will likely be some consequences, you continue to know they will love you no matter what. That’s why it’s important to tell them the truth no matter what happened because the same is true with God. Our God loves us no matter what, God will never hold our sins against us. Ash Wednesday reminds us why Jesus is so important to us because he suffered our consequences on the cross. Never be afraid to confess your sins because God is gracious, slow to anger, and filled with love for you.

Closing Prayer:

Out of the depths I cry to you, Lord; Lord, hear my voice. Let your ears be attentive to my cry for mercy. If you, Lord, kept a record of sins, Lord, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness, so that we can serve you. Amen. (Psalm 130:1-4)

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

• Are you sometimes scared to tell the truth? Tell of the last time that happened.
• What makes you brave to tell the truth?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Why do you think people lie or try to cover up what they did?
• Instead of covering up, what does today’s devotion encourage us to do?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Too often, emotions like anger or fear get in the way of how we talk to each other. What might help everyone in your family discuss better what is sometimes difficult to say out loud?
• Discuss why it is so important to hear the words “I forgive you” after someone says “I’m sorry.”

 

 

Read: Mark 1:29-39

Simon’s mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they immediately told Jesus about her. So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up. The fever left her and she began to wait on them. That evening after sunset the people brought to Jesus all the sick and demon-possessed.

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. Simon and his companions went to look for him, and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!” Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.”
Mark 1:30-32, 35-38

Jesus Heals and Helps Us

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

Sometimes when you’re sick, all you need is a good night’s rest; but sometimes when you’re sick, you’re stuck in bed, and it feels like you’ll never get better. Have you ever been sick like that?

The Bible tells us that Simon’s mother-in-law had a fever, and that was a big deal, because back in Jesus’ time, they didn’t have the same types of medicines we do today to help people who are sick. This wasn’t just about getting some rest in bed… she was so sick, she might die!

Jesus went to her and took her by the hand, and immediately the fever was gone! Can you imagine everyone’s reaction? But Jesus was not done. He stayed at the house, and when people heard what Jesus had done, they brought more and more people that were sick or that Satan was attacking with his demons, and Jesus saved them as well.

But then something really interesting happened. When Jesus’ disciples said, “Everyone is looking for you,” Jesus said, “Let’s go somewhere else so I can preach. That’s why I have come.” What? Don’t you think that with all those people looking for Jesus, he would want to stay? But he doesn’t. He could have stayed and healed people who were sick, but there was something more important for him to do. Jesus wanted to help people who were sick with sin and suffering from it.

When you’re hurt, even if it’s just a little sickness or a little pain, you might think that all you need is some medicine. And while medicine is a gift from God, there is something else you need even more: God’s promises. That’s because someday, no matter how much medicine we have, one of the horrible effects of sin is that people die. That’s why Jesus came to live with us on earth. He is the medicine for all of us who are sick with sin or scared at the thought of dying. He tells us, “Don’t be afraid! Believe in me! Even if you die, you will not stay dead but will come back to life and be with me forever.”

So the next time you’re sick, something is wrong with your life, or the thought of death makes you afraid, go to Jesus and remember, “He has the power to help and heal me! I will only be this way for a little while, but I will be with Jesus forever.”

Closing Prayer:

While I draw this fleeting breath, when mine eyelids close in death, when I soar to worlds unknown, see thee on thy judgment throne, Rock of Ages, cleft for me, let me hide myself in thee. Amen. (Christian Worship 839:4)

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

• Talk about the time you were really, really sick. Who took care of you?
• How did Jesus take care of sick people in today’s devotion?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• How does God’s Word keep you healthy?
• A lot of people are afraid to talk about dying. Why is it so important to start talking about Jesus in that moment?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Simon’s mother-in-law was so sick that she could have died. Why doesn’t Jesus always heal people who are sick today?
• True or false: Jesus never promised that you would live to be ninety years old.

 

 

Read: Isaiah 40:27-31

The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom. He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength.
Isaiah 40:28,29,31a

I Can’t Do This Anymore!

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

Have you ever tried again and again to get something right, but you couldn’t seem to succeed? Maybe you are struggling with a math problem at school or a basketball shot that never goes in the hoop, maybe you said something to a parent but could tell they weren’t really listening. You get frustrated. Maybe you’ve even said, “I can’t do this anymore” or even worse, “If this is happening, does God really care about me?”

Does it help to know you’re not the only one? In today’s reading, God’s people were feeling the same. Here was their concern, “My way is hidden from the Lord; my cause disregarded.” That’s Old Testament language for, “Does God even care about me anymore?”

Here is God’s answer: “The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.” That means that God knows better. He knows know you feel. And he knows what’s better for you at home, at school, or wherever you are.

It’s okay to admit that you are weaker than God. You might be strong, but God loves showing his power when you’re feeling weakest. Think about it like a game off tug-of-war. If God is pulling in one direction, and you’re pulling against him, you will lose every time! But God loves to be on your side and pull for you especially in the times you feel most frustrated. It doesn’t mean you won’t still face problems, but they will not be torture. In fact, it might even be as easy as gliding like an eagle in the sky!

The next time you’re frustrated and want to give up saying, “I can’t do it!” remember to “hope in the Lord” (verse 31). Hope isn’t just wishing things were good (like “hoping the weather is good tomorrow”). God never gets tired of helping you. You can trust him to pull you in the right direction.

Closing Prayer:

God, humble me to see your ways as better than my ways. Remove all the things that are not pleasing to you from my life and renew my strength from my hope in you alone. 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

• Talk about the last time you walked or ran so far that you got tired and needed someone to carry you.
• It’s okay to get tired or frustrated. How can God “carry” you during those times?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• The Bible talks about soaring like an eagle when we trust in God. Describe the difference between how an eagle soars and other birds who flap their wings.
• Why would God say that we will soar like eagles when we trust in him?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• In verse 28 the author asked, “Do you not know? Have you not heard?” This assumes that we should already know and have already heard what he’s going to say next. But he still says it again. Why do you think we need to hear these promises of God again and again?
• What’s a place in your life where you sometimes think God doesn’t care about you? How does today’s Word of God answer your worry?

 

 

Read: Hebrews 3:1-6

Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest. He was faithful to the one who appointed him, just as Moses was faithful in all God’s house. Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor than Moses, just as the builder of a house has greater honor than the house itself. For every house is built by someone, but God is the builder of everything. “Moses was faithful as a servant in all God’s house,” bearing witness to what would be spoken by God in the future. But Christ is faithful as the Son over God’s house. And we are his house, if indeed we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope in which we glory.
Hebrews 3:1-6

Jesus Builds Your House

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

When builders build a house, there are many questions they ask. How many bedrooms and bathrooms will the house have? Will it have a garage? Will it have a big kitchen? Will it have a basement, a fireplace, a pool, or a front porch? Then they then have to plan how all of those pieces will fit together. Where will the rooms be? How will electricity and water run safely through the house? Will the walls be able to support the weight of the roof? The details are almost countless.

Today, God pictures his Church as a house. God’s people throughout the history of the world have all been built together to form one unit. Even though there are many pieces and many different ways history could have gone, God made sure it went one way.

What is the way God made sure everything went? It all points to Jesus. Everything in the Old Testament, even though it was written long before Jesus lived, points to Jesus. Everything in the New Testament, even the things that happened after Jesus died and rose again, all points to Jesus.

The same is true for you and me. Everything that we do points to Jesus. After all, God says we are part of his house. And Jesus is over his house. This is why the church preaches Jesus every time you attend worship. This is why God has placed you where you are right now. You can say to yourself, “I was put here by God to point to Jesus.” Then live in such a way that gives honor to Jesus as the one who built the church.

There are lots of ways you do this. You start by going to a church which faithfully preaches Jesus. You also try at all times to avoid sin. And when you fail, you turn to Jesus. He doesn’t kick you out of his house. Instead, he forgives you so you can always remain in his house. When people ask you why you live the way you do, tell them that you are not any more special than they are. But you are part of a very special house—Jesus’ house!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, help me to live a life that always points to you as my hope. 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

• List some of the people who live in your house. The Bible tells us that we are part of another family of believers in Christ. Who are some of the other people in this family?
• In today’s devotion, who is in charge of the house? How do you know?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• List some of the tools and materials that a builder needs to build a house. How does God build his “house” of believers?
• How does Jesus give us confidence and hope that we are part of his house?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Moses was a faithful believer who led God’s people, the Israelites, out of Egypt and to the land promised them by God. Moses was a prophet who spoke from God to the people. How was Jesus like Moses? How is Jesus greater than Moses?
• “Fix your thoughts on Jesus.” Describe in your own words what that’s saying. Then give one way you can do that.

 

 

Read: Mark 1:14-20

Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. “The time has come,” he said. “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!”

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 1:14-20

Faithful Fishermen

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

Do you like fishing? Would you like to do it for a living? Before you answer, know this: Being a fisherman is not easy. There are times that they don’t catch many fish even though they spend an entire day and night on the water. A professional fisherman can tell you how hard and dirty the work is. Their hands smell of worms and fish. It gets hot, and they sweat. It gets cold, and they shiver. They often get tired and angry. Many fishermen quit.

Here’s another question: Do you like being a Christian? Before you answer, know this: Being a Christian can be a lot like being a fisherman. Sometimes it is really hard because it doesn’t seem like anything you do works. God tells you to be honest. But when you are honest, you get in trouble with other people. God tells you to love people even when they are mean to you. But when you do, they are still mean to you. God tells you to share the good news about Jesus with people so that they can believe, too. But when you do, someone might ignore you or maybe even make fun of you. You become tired. You become frustrated. You may want to yell, “I quit!”

In the Bible reading today, Jesus calls fishermen to be his first disciples. In the years that followed, the work they did was hard and dirty. Many of them were beaten and killed. And yet these disciples did what Jesus told them to do.

Why would anyone live this life of a fisherman for Jesus? Listen to Jesus’ answer: “The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!” The good news is that Jesus has “caught” you and me. He has put people in your life who have shared God’s Word with you. They are the fishermen Jesus used to catch you. They are your parents, your pastors, and all your Christian friends.

Jesus has made you a fisherman, too. He has called you to a life that sometimes feels hard and dirty because of the sin that surrounds us and lives in us. Don’t give up! Instead, keep faithfully living your faith according to God’s Word. Keep faithfully sharing your faith with people. Who knows? God may already have a fish he wants you to catch!

Closing Prayer:

Dear God, thank you for the many people you have put in my life who share God’s Word with me. Please help me also to share your Word with others. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

• Fishing requires bait to catch fish. What good news does God give us to “catch” people?
• Simon, Andrew, James, and John left their jobs as fishermen to follow Jesus. Who does God want to be the most important person in our lives?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What tools does a fisherman or woman use to catch fish? What is the only “tool” that you need to fish for people?
• Agree or disagree. The only way we can obey Jesus’ command, “Come, follow me!” is by becoming a pastor or teacher.

Questions for Middle School and Above

• “Repent and believe the good news!” Jesus said. How does that message prepare you for your calling to fish for people?
• Make a list of the important things in your life (family, friends, activities this week, etc.). Then place “following Jesus” at the top of the list. What are ways to make sure that following Jesus remains your top priority?

 

 

Read: Jonah 3:1-5,10

Then the word of the LORD came to Jonah a second time: “Go to the great city of Nineveh and proclaim to it the message I give you.”

Jonah obeyed the word of the LORD and went to Nineveh. Now Nineveh was a very large city; it took three days to go through it. Jonah began by going a day’s journey into the city, proclaiming, “Forty more days and Nineveh will be overthrown.” The Ninevites believed God. A fast was proclaimed, and all of them, from the greatest to the least, put on sackcloth.

When God saw what they did and how they turned from their evil ways, he relented and did not bring on them the destruction he had threatened.
Jonah 3:1-5,10

God Is All About Forgiveness

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

When you think about the story of Jonah from the Bible, what is the first thing you think of? Probably a big fish, right? God miraculously saved Jonah from drowning by sending a fish to swallow him. Jonah was in the belly of that fish for three days and three nights. And then God saved Jonah again by making the fish spit Jonah onto dry ground.

God had a plan for Jonah. His plan was all about love. Love for Jonah. And love for an entire city. Neither Jonah nor the city of Nineveh deserved love. After all, Jonah ran away from God. Nineveh was filled with wicked people who didn’t love God.

But God is all about love and forgiveness. He loved Jonah so much that he gave him a second chance to do what God had commanded him to do: go preach to the city of Nineveh. He loved the people of Nineveh so much that he sent Jonah to them to call them to repent of their sin.

God has a plan for your life too. When you think about the story of your own life, what is the first thing you think of? Maybe you think about your friends, or your family, or sports that you play, or an instrument you are good at. Or maybe you think about how you fall short—you’re not the perfect child or student. You make mistakes as a teammate or musician. Maybe you think of how you fall short of what God commands you to do. God says this failure means you do not deserve his love and forgiveness.

But remember, God is all about love and forgiveness. He gives you his Word to remind you of how he forgives sin because of Jesus’ work of salvation. He gives you pastors to proclaim this forgiveness to you. And then he calls you to turn away from that sin and do what he commands.

One of the greatest things he commands you to do is share his love and forgiveness with others. Sometimes this means telling people first that they are sinners. As scary as that can be, you have a promise from God that he is with you. His words are powerful. Some words warn while other words forgive. Together, they change hearts and lives. You will get to see it, too. And when you do, you will get to share with people the God of second chances.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Lord, give me the courage to share your words with others. Fill me with joy because of your love and forgiveness. 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

• Give an example of a time you said you were sorry to someone. What did they then say to you? When we tell God that we are sorry for our sins, what does he say to us?
• God gave Jonah the job of preaching God’s Word to the people of Nineveh. Who are the people in your life that tell you about Jesus?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Share a time that you repented of a sin and received forgiveness. How does it make you feel when you are forgiven?
• The Bible tells us that the people of Nineveh were very wicked. Would you have wanted to be in Jonah’s position to point out their sins? Why was it so important for the people of Nineveh that Jonah obeyed God’s command?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Jonah attempted to run away from God when he first charged Jonah with proclaiming repentance to the people in Nineveh, but God gave him another chance. Why does God give people like us such important work of sharing his Word when he knows we might run away from it?
• Think of someone you know who does not know the saving message of God’s Word. How can you be like Jonah in their life?

 

 

Read: 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17

He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.
2 Thessalonians 2:14

Called to Glory

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

“Time for dinner!” Mom called her family to help with the final preparations. Dad helped Ruth pour the drinks. Grace put the plates out, and Andrew put the food on the table. This was going to be a tasty meal. Mom didn’t just call them for a nutritious meal that would benefit their bodies, but it would taste good too! This was one of the family’s favorite meals! They would love every morsel! Mom, Dad, and the kids gathered around the table to dig in.

It’s nice to be called to something that really gets you excited. Something like a meal that doesn’t just benefit your body, but your taste buds too. Something like a recess where you will have fun with your friends. Or like a movie you can’t wait to see!

In writing to a group of Christians, the apostle Paul tells them why he gives thanks to God day after day. He gives thanks for the saving faith in Jesus that God worked in their hearts through hearing the gospel—that is, the good news of how Jesus saved us. At one time Paul himself shared that gospel with them. The Lord used Paul to call them to faith through their preaching of the gospel, so Paul had even more reason to give thanks.

But do you know what caused Paul to give thanks most of all? It had something to do with the reason the Lord called them to faith through their gospel. Yes, they had saving faith in Jesus. Yes, they had become children of God, but God had even more blessing for them! “He called you to this through our gospel, that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Through faith in Jesus, they would get to enjoy Christ’s glory. They would get to enjoy eternal life with him in the glories of heaven someday. The thought of it made the apostle Paul so happy! He was excited for them!

God does the same thing for us. Through hearing the gospel, we too are called to faith in Jesus. We too are called to be children of God. Yet we are also called to “share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Think of those two words that are yours: eternal life. A time when you will be with Jesus in the glories of heaven.

May the thought of it fill you with happiness and keep you excited!

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus, you call us to faith in you through the gospel. Guide us to look forward to the day when we will enjoy eternal life with you in the glories of heaven. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

• What is the one favorite meal that gets you excited?
• What exciting news did you hear in today’s devotion?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What does it mean that God has “called us to glory”?
• List one of the reasons why the apostle Paul gave thanks for the Thessalonian Christians.

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Explain this statement: No gospel, no faith. Know the gospel. Know faith.
• Identify someone in your life who would benefit from hearing two words: eternal life. Pray that the Lord will bless your sharing and call them to share in his glory.

 

 

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

And So It Begins

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

Every great story, every great adventure, every great journey has to have a beginning. Whether you are Bilbo Baggins walking out your front gate in The Hobbit or you and your family are pulling out of the driveway for a vacation, you have to start somewhere. The same was true for Jesus when he began his public ministry.

John the Baptist was preparing for all of this. God sent him to prepare the way for the coming Lord. He was sent to call people to turn away from their sins and live as forgiven children of God. He baptized people, young and old, in the waters of the Jordan River. John knew that he was preparing the way for the coming Lord, but he didn’t realize how humbly Jesus would come to him.

One day, Jesus came to John and asked to be baptized, even though Jesus was holy and perfect. He had no need to receive forgiveness through the waters of Baptism. Yet Jesus was there to put himself in our place under the same waters of Baptism connected with God’s Word that change our lives and bring us God’s forgiveness and eternal life. Jesus’s baptism looked like anyone else’s with water poured over his head and the Word spoken by God’s servant, but what happened next was very different!

“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.’” What a sight! The heavens torn open. The Holy Spirit descending in the form of a dove. What a sound! The voice of God the Father speaking from heaven and pointing out Jesus as his chosen Servant sent to carry out the work of saving us and all people.

And so it began. Jesus’ great journey would take him through temptation and suffering, miracles performed, and the Word of God proclaimed. In time, that journey would take Jesus to the cross to die and a tomb for when he was dead. But the journey would end with us saved from sin and death. But today we remember where it began, with baptismal waters poured over Jesus’ head. And we remember the story of our salvation began exactly the same as Jesus’ ministry.

Closing Prayer:

Lord Jesus, thank you for putting yourself in our place, even under the waters of Baptism. Forgive our sins and guide us on this great journey that will eventually bring us to you in heaven. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

• Ask your parent or grandparent to remember what happened at your baptism.
• Recall one of the wonderful things that happened at Jesus’ baptism.

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Reread Mark 1:9-11. How do we see God the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit at Jesus’ baptism?
• Why did Jesus need to be baptized? Why do we need to be baptized?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Read Romans 6:3-4. What is the connection between our baptism and Jesus’s life, death, and resurrection?
• Explain what God the Father meant when he said to Jesus: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.”

 

 

Read: Matthew 2:1-12

After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea, when Herod was king, Wise Men from the east came to Jerusalem. They asked, “Where is he 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 (EHV)

Where’s the Baby?

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

Little Ellie rolled along in her stroller. Different family members took turns pushing her stroller as they walked down the street. It was a beautiful day. Shops had their doors open. People were out and about, but Ellie was tired of sitting in her stroller. She wanted to have fun with the big kids. She held their hand as they went from one shop after another.

In one shop, Ellie found a fuzzy stuffed horse that was just her size and very huggable. The family was ready to visit another store, but Ellie wanted that horse. As they left the store pushing her stroller, no one noticed Ellie slip back into the shop to hug that horse. About a block later, the grown-ups suddenly realized, “Where’s the baby?!?” With heart racing, Dad retraced their steps back to the shop. With a huge sigh of relief, he found Ellie by the toys still hugging that horse.

When Wise Men from the east came to Jerusalem, they were looking for a baby, but he wasn’t lost. They were looking for a baby whose birth was promised long ago. How did those Wise Men find out about this special baby? A couple years before, they saw a unique star in the heavens. They discovered ancient promises recorded in the Bible that looked forward to the time when a King would come who would save his people—and nations—from sin and death. The Wise Men realized that the special star in the sky was announcing the arrival of this Savior, so they went looking for the baby—not in panic or fear, but in faith that God would keep his promise.

So where can you find that baby named Jesus? With Christmas now over and decorations put away, does Jesus get packed away too? Do we stop thinking about the Christ Child because the new year just started and it’s time to move on? Don’t lose sight of that baby who came into our world to be our King and save us from sin and death! Find that baby when you hear God’s Word in this devotion or when you go to church. See that he’s really been there in his Word all this time for us to find in love, mercy, and grace. With joy, like the Wise Men, we find him and worship our Savior-King!

Closing Prayer:

O Jesus Christ, you came as a little child to save us. Help us to find you, not in a manger, but in your Word today and every day. In your name, Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

• Who was the baby that the Wise Men hoped to find?
• What was so special about him?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Where do we find Jesus today?
• Why is it easy to “lose” the baby Jesus after Christmas?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Explain this statement: Only the wise can find Jesus.
• When the Wise Men found Jesus, they presented him with rich gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. As we find Jesus in his Word, list two ways that we can respond to finding him.

 

 

Read: Colossians 3:12-17

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
Colossians 3:12-14

Wear your best Christmas clothes

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

Michael hated his Christmas sweater. It was a red sweater with green cuffs and a green collar. And it was itchy. Every time he moved his head, he felt it scratching against his neck. But his parents made him wear it to church on Christmas for a reason. The red and green were Christmas colors. The sweater actually looked nice. So Michael thought to himself, “If we are going to church to celebrate God giving us his Son as a gift of his love, I can wear this sweater that ‘fits’ the reason we’re going.”

God’s gift to you this new year are new clothes to wear every day. Because Jesus came as our Savior, God calls you his “chosen people, holy and dearly loved.” That’s his gift to you—you didn’t earn it, ask for it, or deserve it; it was a gift of his love. Since God has made you his child, it’s only fitting that we “dress” like his children. He tells us to put on “compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience,” almost like we’re putting on clothes. How do you dress like God’s child? Here are three encouragements God gives us.

First, he tells us to forgive people and treat them with patience. That’s not easy, and it doesn’t come naturally to us. Sometimes that will feel just like that itchy Christmas sweater Michael had to wear. Sometimes Michael just wanted to rip it off! But the more you “put on” forgiveness and patience, the more you’ll realize how perfectly they fit God’s children.

Second, he tells us to fill up with God’s Word. The more we hear about God’s love for us, the more God’s love will live in us and change us. He tells us to do this “richly.” That means more than going to church. It means reading our Bibles at home, having devotions with our family, and talking to each other about God.

Third, he tells us to be with God’s people. We’re to teach each other and admonish each other (that means correct each other when we get something wrong). We can’t do this on our own; we need other Christians to help us.

Michael didn’t like his Christmas sweater growing up, but it was right to wear it. Sometimes living as a child of God can feel a little uncomfortable. But remember the love God has shown you and who he’s made you to be, and more and more you’ll see it’s a perfect fit!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Lord Jesus, you’ve made me God’s holy, loved child and dressed me with your beautiful clothes. Help me to live as God’s child every day as I show your love to others. Amen.

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

Questions for Younger Children

• Today’s devotion talked about wearing kindness like clothing. Who can you think of who needs your kindness or gentleness right now? How could you show it to them?
• God tells us to fill up with his word by singing to each other. What’s one of your favorite songs to sing from church?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Why do you think God compares the Christian characteristics of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience to clothes?
• Which ones from this list are hardest for you to “put on”?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• God says the way we are to act flows from what he’s done for us. What are some things he says he’s done for you in today’s passage?
• How does knowing you’re forgiven help you to forgive others?

 

 

Read: John 1:1-18

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.
John 1:1-5, 9-12

The Voice and Lights of Christmas

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

Imagine you’re in the dark. It’s scary and you’re afraid. You can’t see who or what is around you. But then, you hear a familiar, friendly voice. The voice tells you that you aren’t alone, that you aren’t in danger, that everything is going to be okay. That would be a comfort, wouldn’t it?

And then imagine that a light starts to shine. And it helps you to see the room around you the right way. You see how to avoid bumping into furniture and see the door that would lead you out to safety. The light would take away your fear, wouldn’t it?

All because of a voice and a light.

That’s the way God describes Jesus. He calls him “the Word.” He is how God speaks to us and tells us the most important things. And God calls Jesus “the light of all mankind.” He shows us God’s love that tells us that everything will be okay, that our sins are forgiven, and that heaven is our home. And not just ours: Jesus is the light that shines for everyone.

That’s what happened on the first Christmas. God’s Word and God’s light came into the darkness of our world, gift-wrapped up as the baby Jesus—the greatest present God could ever give. You’d hope that present would be received with happiness by everyone! Sadly, he wasn’t. A lot of his own people didn’t believe in him. They were so opposed to him that they persecuted him, arrested him, nailed him to a cross, and killed him.

But they didn’t overcome him. When Jesus died, he was doing exactly what he was born to do. He gave God the greatest gift: You! A child of God, washed free from every sin. And he gave you the right to call yourself God’s child.

The world can still be dark, but you’ll never be alone. Even if you feel like you’re in the darkness, Jesus is God’s Word, speaking to you. He’s God’s light, shining for you.

Now you know who God is, and you know the gift he’s given you. Merry Christmas!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, of all the gifts we receive at Christmas, you are the best! Thank you for being God’s Word, telling me everything God wants me to know. Thank you for being God’s light, showing me everything God wants me to see. Thank you for teaching me to know God himself. 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

• Jesus is called “the light.” What does light help us do?
• What does Jesus the “light” help us see about God?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• People opposed Jesus when he was on earth. How do people still fight against Jesus’ message today?
• What are some things you see that help remind you that “the darkness” still hasn’t “overcome” Jesus?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• If someone asked “What is God like?” you could start telling them stories about Jesus. Which stories would you tell first?
• Even though you haven’t seen God, name something you see that tells you God exists. (Hint: verses 1-3)

 

 

Read: Micah 5:2-5a

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel… He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God… And he will be our peace.”
Micah 5:2,4,5

Christmas brings happy, noisy peace!

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

“Peace and quiet.” Ever hear an adult complain that’s what they want? Have you found peace and quiet as you celebrate Christmas? Maybe the most peaceful part of it in your mind is when all the worshipers at church are holding lit candles and listening to the account of Jesus’ birth, or that moment when the wrapping paper is all cleaned up and everyone falls asleep in their beds. Peace and quiet.

But peace isn’t always quiet. The word God uses for peace is “shalom.” It’s a Hebrew word that means that everything is in its right place—just the way it should be. That’s why Jesus came, stepping out of his world and entering our world. That’s why he was born as a small child in one of the smallest towns, so that he could live the life God demands from us, pay the price for our sins and bring us back to him. That’s peace—but it’s not always quiet.

It’s like a shepherd standing in front of his flock. They’re safe and happy and eager for his voice. Do you hear him calling them to cool waters? Do you hear the joyful bleating and baa-ing of the sheep?

It’s like a mighty King protecting his people. The air rings with his promises that everything will be okay. Your whole body shakes with their clapping and cheering as they rejoice in his care.

And it’s like you. Maybe you had a “noisy” Christmas, filled with relatives and friends and crowded parties. Maybe it was noisy with problems and fights. Or maybe it was a bit quieter, and you didn’t have many people to celebrate it with.

But Jesus was there. The God who gave his life for you is still living with you. He’ll be with you when your home is filled with celebrating (or squabbling) loved ones, and he’ll be with you on the days you’re all alone. Sometimes it’ll be peaceful and sometimes noisy, but when Jesus is there as your Savior, you’ll always have peace.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Lord, when you fill my life with people and busyness, help me proclaim your good news to them. When you fill my life with quiet times or loneliness, help me remember you’re there with me. But above all, fill me with your peace. 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 the loudest, noisiest person in your family? Is it a big person or a small person?
• God promised Jesus would be born in a small town called Bethlehem. What is a “big thing” God can do through “little you”?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Jesus is described as a shepherd here. How is Jesus like a shepherd?
• How did Jesus bring us peace?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• What makes it more difficult for you to feel close to God—the loud, busy times or the quiet and lonely times?
• What do you think it means that Jesus’ origins “were from of old”?

 

 

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.
May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18,23-24

Always Joyful

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

Savaya was thinking about what she had just heard her pastor say: “Rejoice always.”

That word “always” bothered her. Always? All the time? She was supposed to always be joyful?

Savaya could think of times when she had not been all that happy—like when her friends had been mean to her and had talked about her behind her back. It really hurt her. She felt mad and sad all at the same time. On top of it, she didn’t feel happy about her grades at school. She didn’t want to go home and be told what to do.

Rejoice always? Sometimes, maybe. Always? What reason did she have to rejoice always?

Then Savaya heard her pastor give a sermon she would never forget. He explained how there is a difference between joy and being happy, between joyfulness and happiness. Happiness is a word used to describe an emotion, like how we would use anger or sadness to talk about how we feel. Feeling happy is affected by what is going on in your life. When good things happen, it is easy to be happy. When difficult or hard things happen, there is no happiness. Instead, there may be a different emotion, like anger or sadness.

Savaya’s pastor then said this, “It’s impossible to always feel the emotion of happiness. But God always makes it possible for you to have joy.” Joyfulness might be described as a condition of our heart. The joy and joyfulness that Paul talked about today comes from knowing all that God has done for us. It is the result of Jesus coming and assuring you, “I will always love you. I will always want to forgive you. I will always have a home ready for you with me in heaven.” Those things are true no matter what happens in life. Those promises are there to comfort and encourage you when times are good or when times are bad.

Savaya began to understand what her pastor was saying. We may not always be happy. The feeling of happiness can quickly come and go. But we can always be joyful because our joy is based on all the things God has done for us and promised us. Savaya found her joy—in Jesus! So, with Savaya, rejoice always!

Closing Prayer:

Lord, thank you for assuring me of your love, your forgiveness, and my home with you in heaven. This good news makes my heart joyful. Along with Savaya, help me to remember all that you have done for me when things in life make me unhappy and try to take my joy away. 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 happened that made Savaya so unhappy?
• Where did Savaya find her joy?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Explain the difference between joy and happiness.
• Name three things that make you happy. Name three things that make you joyful.

Questions for Middle School and Above

• What circumstances of your life is the devil trying to use to rob you of joy?
• Why is it important to keep in mind the difference between joy and happiness?

 

 

Read: Mark 1:1-8

The beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God, as it is written in Isaiah the prophet:

“I will send my messenger ahead of you,
who will prepare your way”—
a voice of one calling in the wilderness,
‘Prepare the way for the Lord,
make straight paths for him.’”

And so John the Baptist appeared in the wilderness, preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. And this was his message: “After me comes the one more powerful than I, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie.
Mark 1:1-7

This is Just the Beginning

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

The book of the Bible named after its author, Mark, tells the story of Jesus’ life. In his book, Mark connects the dots between an old promise of God from his prophet Isaiah and how God kept that promise by sending a man named John to prepare the way for Jesus.

John was hard to forget. He was very unusual. He lived out in the wilderness. He was far away from towns and villages. And people didn’t have cars to drive; they had to walk over twenty miles to see him. Imagine walking for seven hours straight! It was hard to get out there, but people did it because they wanted to hear what he had to say.

And here’s what he said, “Get ready, people! Someone greater than me is coming, someone so great that I’m not even worthy to take off his shoes.” We know he was talking about Jesus. Jesus is the promised Savior that God had been promising for so long. And now the time had come for people to get ready to see him and hear him, and most of all, to believe him and trust in him.

But pay attention how Mark began the story of Jesus. He wrote, “[This is] the beginning of the good news about Jesus the Messiah, the Son of God.” This is just the beginning. Mark is getting us ready to hear the rest of the story.

Jesus said and did a lot of things in his life and ministry. Many of them are written down for us in the Bible. This is good news. All this good news began with John the Baptist. But the real good news is the story of Jesus’ life. The good news is that Jesus loved you so much that he was willing to die for your sins. The good news is that Jesus defeated death. He rose again from the grave and now lives and rules over all things. And now the good news has come to you.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, you are the great one that John spoke of. Your glory is so great it outshines everything else. Prepare our hearts for you. We need you. Give us a strong faith that looks forward to when we will be safe in your arms 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

• Listen to Mark 1:6. What strange food did John the Baptist eat?
• John the Baptist’s job was to prepare the way for someone important. Who was that important person?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What is a way you can prepare your heart and their lives for Jesus? How do we “get ready” for him?
• Christians use the word “gospel” or “good news” to describe the story of Jesus. Retell the good news in your own words.

Questions for Middle School and Above

• The word repentance means to “turn away” from sin. Explain why repentance is an important beginning step in knowing Jesus.
• John was a unique messenger whom God had long promised before the Savior’s arrival. What clues from verses 2 and 3 tell us that John was the one God had promised?

 

 

Read: Isaiah 40:1-11

A voice of one calling:
“In the wilderness prepare
the way for the LORD;
make straight in the desert
a highway for our God.
Every valley shall be raised up,
every mountain and hill made low;
the rough ground shall become level,
the rugged places a plain.
Isaiah 40:3,4

Get Ready for Someone Important

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

Did you know the highest bridge in the world stands a knee-knocking 1,854 feet above a river at the bottom of a deep valley with steep mountains on either side? The bridge connects two cities that used to be a five-hour drive apart. Now it only takes an hour!

Building a bridge is hard work and costs a lot of money. But building a bridge over a valley is a lot easier and cheaper than filling in the entire valley with earth. In the same way, it can be easier and cheaper to build a road through the mountains by digging a tunnel for the road to go through. If you can’t move a mountain, dig through it, right?

in today’s devotion, the prophet Isaiah announces the coming of a person so important that it would be worth the effort and expense of flattening mountains and filling in valleys. “Every valley shall be raised up, every mountain and hill made low; the rough ground shall become level, the rugged places a plain.” Wow, that’s quite a job!

Who could be so important that would make all the hard work and tons of money worth it? Isaiah tells us. This amazing and important person would be the one God would use to show his great power and love.

The people of Isaiah’s time knew he was talking about God’s promised Savior. We now know who this person was. It was Jesus. Jesus is the great King that God had promised. Jesus is the one who would build a bridge between us and God. How? Jesus did the hard work of living perfectly in our place and yet dying for all the world’s sins. He flattened the mountains of our pride. He filled in the valleys and low points of our lives. Now the highway between us and God and heaven is smooth and straight!

Someone who would do that for us is worth getting ready for, don’t you agree? In this month when everyone is so busy with a gazillion things, let’s slow down our minds and prepare our hearts for Christmas. Thank God he doesn’t put us in charge of preparing for our way there. He put his Son in charge who did everything he needed to do perfectly. Thank God the Lord has prepared the way—into our hearts and into his kingdom.

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, help us prepare our hearts to receive you. Make us trust in your promises. Give us joy in knowing that your glory is to show love to us by taking away the guilt of our sin and giving us the gift of a new heart now and new life 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

• Tell about the biggest hill or mountain you’ve ever seen. How many bulldozers and trucks do you think it would take to tear such a mountain down?
• God tells us that saving us is an even bigger job than moving a mountain. What big job did Jesus have to do to save us?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• What are some ways you can tell that someone important is coming?
• What are some ways that we can show how important Jesus is to us?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Think of two common obstacles that stand in the way of us being ready to welcome Jesus’ birth this time of year.
• Who are some of the people God uses in our live to help us prepare the way for Jesus in our lives?