Small Words That Are Big at Christmas – December 30, 2022

Read: John 1

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

Small Words That Are Big at Christmas

Family Devotion – December 30, 2022

Devotion based on John 1:1-14

See series: Devotions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Closing Prayer:

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

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

Questions for Younger Children

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

Questions for Elementary Age Children

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

Questions for Middle School and Above

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

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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