God with us Christmas Day Devotional
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Start Here Watch Before Christmas morning take a few minutes and watch the video on the DVD Read On Christmas morning read the Scripture and the Story based off of the Scripture... Talk After reading, spend some time with your household and talk about the scripture and discussion questions. Do After talking about the Scripture and how it applies to your life, do some of the activities provided. 3
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Christmas Day Joy
TRUE JOY IS ONLY FOUND IN JESUS The Scripture All returned to their own ancestral towns to register for this census. And because Joseph was a descendant of King David, he had to go to Bethlehem in Judea, David s ancient home. He traveled there from the village of Nazareth in Galilee. He took with him Mary, his fiancée, who was now obviously pregnant. And while they were there, the time came for her baby to be born. She gave birth to her first child, a son. She wrapped him snugly in strips of cloth and laid him in a manger, because there was no lodging available for them. That night there were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, guarding their flocks of sheep. Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord s glory surrounded them. They were terrified, but the angel reassured them. Don t be afraid! he said. I bring you good news that will bring great joy to all people. The Savior yes, the Messiah, the Lord has been born today in Bethlehem, the city of David! And you will recognize him by this sign: You will find a baby wrapped snugly in strips of cloth, lying in a manger. -Luke 2 6
CHRISTMAS DAY The Story Before sin entered the world, Adam and Eve were in the garden experiencing true joy. Everything was perfect- they even walked with God! Once they sinned, mankind s relationship with God was broken and joy was lost. For Mary and Joseph, it would be understandable if joy was the furthest attitude from their hearts. Dreams for their future probably didn t include an unplanned baby so early in their relationship, taking a 90 mile trip for the census while Mary was 9 months pregnant, or sleeping in a noisy, smelly barn because there wasn t room anywhere else. But the angel in Luke tells us that on that day, Jesus birth brought great joy to all people. By accepting Jesus death for our sins, our relationship with God is restored and we can have true joy again. Like Mary and Joseph, even when things don t seem to go right, we can choose to have joy because of Jesus, knowing that God can be glorified no matter our circumstances. True joy is only found in Jesus Other Scriptures Psalm 16:11 Philippians 4:11-13 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 7
TRUE JOY IS ONLY FOUND IN JESUS... Talk About It Where does true joy come from? In the past, where have you looked for joy and what was the result? When is it hardest to choose to be joyful? How can you remember to have joy each day, no matter what? 8
CHRISTMAS DAY Serve Things to do Think about people you know that may be spending the holiday alone and invite them to join you for Christmas dinner, make a card for them or a homemade gift! Make some hot chocolate and/or cookies and deliver to those who work on Christmas Day (emergency services - police, fire, hospital, etc.) Go caroling at a nursing home. Spend some time with the residents and read them the Christmas story from the Bible. Pray that God gives you a chance to share your faith! Write thank you cards for those who gave you gifts or did something kind for you this Christmas season. End with your favorite verse or a verse about your gratitude for them (i.e., 1 Cor. 1:4). Activity JOY SALT DOUGH Cut J-O-Y out of salt dough (Leave a hole for ribbon). Let it dry in a 200 degree oven and then paint. Hang it on your tree next year as a reminder to have joy! Recipe: 1 Cup Salt; 2 Cups Flour; 3/4 Cup warm water Mix & Knead. Roll out and Cut. SHARE Share stories or journal about how God has worked this past year. 9
TRUE JOY IS ONLY FOUND IN JESUS 10
Starting Tomorrow Immanuel
I CAN FULLY RELY ON GOD The Scripture All right then, the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means God is with us ). -Isaiah 7:14 12
STARTING TOMORROW The Story After Adam and Eve sinned in the garden, they were separated from God; he no longer walked with them in the evenings. From then on, emptiness could be felt because of mankind s longing for God s presence. Because of this, Isaiah s message must have been so exciting to God s people! Isaiah spoke of the promised Savior s arrival, calling Jesus Immanuel, or God with Us. In the past, God s people could only approach God through the priests and sacrifices. But Immanuel (Jesus) would be approachable. His presence would be felt every day. God loved us so much that he sent Jesus to free us from sin through Jesus death on the cross. This allows us to have an unhindered relationship with God and to experience God s presence in our lives each and every day! Because we know God is with us, we can fully rely on Him, no matter what comes our way. I CAN FULLY RELY ON GOD! Other Scriptures Joshua 1:9 Isaiah 41:10 Hebrews 4:15 13
I CAN FULLY RELY ON GOD... Talk about it Even though we can t see Him, how is God with us every day? When have you personally felt God was with you? What happens when we forget God is with us? What will you do to keep walking with Jesus each and every day? 14
STARTING TOMORROW Things to do Serve Pull out your calendar. As a family, decide some times this year to go serve somewhere together. Go through your closets, playrooms, hobby areas and see if you have anything you don t use, wear, etc. that is still in good shape. Take it with you as you serve or to Carriage Town, the River, or another ministry to give to someone in need. Activity BIBLE TIME Brainstorm ideas you as a household will study this year. Choose a time each day, week or month to do devotions. F.R.O.G. POUCH Make a pouch for your frog by stapling a half plate to the bottom of a full plate. As you make your frogs, write F.R.O.G. on them. Explain that this stands for Fully Rely On God. Discuss together how in every situation, whether good or bad, God is with us, helping us carry the load. Whenever things are tough and you need God to help you carry the load, write out your need and put it in the pouch. Pray over the notes each night before bed, asking God to help you rely on Him. 15
I CAN FULLY RELY ON GOD Resources PRESCHOOL Day-By-Day Begin to Read Bible--Henley The Bible App For Kids https://www.bible.com/kids CHILDREN Day-By-Day Kids Bible--Henley Recommended Bible Versions K-3rd Grade (NIrV) 4th-5th Grade (NIV) NLT hisrock.net/parent-resources TEENS The Simple Truth Devotional--group.com Experiencing God--Blackaby Wednesday night messages & Discussion questions--sermons.hisrock.net Girls A Daughter s Worth--Sturgeon Every Young Woman s Battle--Arterburn Guys Every Young Man s Battle--Arterburn FAMILY Crazy Love--Chan The Family Project: How God s Design Reveals His Best For You The Family Project Devotional ADULT Christianity 101: Foundations--Rock Church Resource Experiencing God--Blackaby Act Like Men: 40 Days to Biblical Manhood--MacDonald Streams in the Dessert--Cowman & Reimann Online/app based daily devotionals/reading plans NLT Adult Study Bible 16
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