HW Family Christmas Devotional Series 2016 - s Family Christmas Devotional Series ... Watch The...

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HomeWord’sFamilyChristmasDevotionalSeriesAseriesof16familyChristmasdevotionalstohelpmakethemostofyourfamily'sChristmasseason.Titlesintheseries:

1. ALookatAngels2. BeingPartofGod’sPlan3. ALookattheShepherds4. ChristmasCanChangeYourLife5. ChristmasFoodfortheSoul6. DoNotBeAfraid7. AwayinaPalace?8. ALightintheDarkness9. ForUntoUsaChildisBorn10. Christmas:WhenYourHeartGrowsThreeSizes11. Christmas:JustinTime!12. WhatChristmasIsAllAbout13. TheFirstChristmasGifts14. TheRealSt.Nicholas15. TheRestoftheStory16. GodWithUs


ALookatAngelsThisdevotionalwaswrittenbyJimLiebeltAndtheangelsaiduntothem,Fearnot:for,behold,Ibringyougoodtidingsofgreatjoy,whichshallbetoallpeople.ForuntoyouisbornthisdayinthecityofDavidaSaviour,whichisChristtheLord.Andthisshallbeasignuntoyou;Yeshallfindthebabewrappedinswaddlingclothes,lyinginamanger.AndsuddenlytherewaswiththeangelamultitudeoftheheavenlyhostpraisingGod,andsaying,GlorytoGodinthehighest,andonearthpeace,goodwilltowardmen.—Luke2:10-14(KJV)AngelsfromtherealmsofgloryWingyourflightoveralltheearthYe,whosangcreationsstoryNowproclaimMessiah'sbirthComeandworship,comeandworshipWorshipChristthenewbornKing (fromAngelsfromtheRealmsofGlory)Totheshepherdskeepingwatchovertheirflocks,angelsappearedtoannouncethebirthofJesus.Today,wedon’tneedangelstoappearintheskyinordertohearthegreatnewsofJesus.WehavetheBible,churches,fellow-believers,music,andsomuchmoretoknowthatGodbecameman.InthecelebrationofChristmasthatmanyprimarilyseeasatimeoffamilygatheringsandgiftgiving,weareblessedtoknowtherealreasonfortheseason!Today,it’scommontoseeangelsdisplayedonourChristmastrees.Yet,I’mguessingmanypeopledon’tthinkmuchaboutwhy.Liketheotherornamentsonthetree,angelslookpretty.But,there’ssomuchmoretothestory!So,it’sworthremembering2,000yearsaftertheevent,thatthecelebrationofJesus’birthbeganinalonelyfield,tolowlyshepherds,whoreceivedthenewsfromangelsinwhatmusthavebeenoneofthemostspectaculardisplayseverseenbyhumaneyes.FAMILYTIME:Usethecontentaboveandthediscussionquestionsinthe“GoingDeeper”sectionbelowasyourfamilydecoratesyourChristmastreethisyear.PutanangelonthetreeandtaketimetoremindeveryoneoftheroletheangelsplayedinproclaimingthebirthofJesus.GOINGDEEPER:1.WhydoyouthinkGodusedangelstoannouncethebirthofJesus?2.Whydoyouthinktheangelsappearedspecificallytotheshepherds?Whynotappeartopeoplewhomighthaveheldahigherstatus?3.IfJesushadbeenborninourtime,whodoyouthinktheangelswouldchoosetomaketheirannouncement?


BeingPartofGod’sPlanThisdevotionalwaswrittenbyJimLiebeltTheangelanswered,"TheHolySpiritwillcomeuponyou,andthepoweroftheMostHighwillovershadowyou.SotheholyonetobebornwillbecalledtheSonofGod.EvenElizabethyourrelativeisgoingtohaveachildinheroldage,andshewhowassaidtobebarrenisinhersixthmonth.FornothingisimpossiblewithGod.""IamtheLord'sservant,"Maryanswered."Mayitbetomeasyouhavesaid."Thentheangellefther.—Luke1:35-38MaryhasanhonoredplaceasbeingthemotherofJesus.InourChristiancircles,wecelebrateMaryasavirtuousyoungwomanwillfullytakingontheresponsibilityofbecomingmotheroftheSonofGod.Still,it’seasytooverlookthedifficultiesMaryfacedinacceptingthisrole.Shewaslikelyinhermid-teensatthetimeoftheangel’sannouncement.AnunmarriedteenpregnancyinJewishcultureatthetimewouldhavebeenquitescandalous.Shefacedtheprospectofbeinganoutcastinherhometown.Further,imagineMaryattemptingtoexplainthecircumstancesofherpregnancytoherparentsandtoJoseph,herfiancé.BeingpartofGod’splanwasnodoubtverydifficultforMary.OneofthecharacteristicsthatsetMaryapartforherrolewasherwillingobedience.“Mayitbetomeasyouhavesaid,”wasMary’sreplytotheangel.Thisissimplyamazing.We,justlikeMary,arepartofGod’splantocarryHislightandlovetoaneedyworld.EachofushavebeengivendifferentrolesinHisplan,butnoneareunimportant.ItmightbedifficulttoseeourselvesasbeingactiveparticipantsinwhatGodisdoingintheworld.It’snotalwayseasytosayyestoGod.Sayingyescanmeanfacingdifficultiesandevenpersecution.But,GodalwaysprovidesthemeansofsustaininguswhenwechooseobediencetoHisdesiresforourlives.AswecelebrateChristmasthisyear,rememberMaryasanexampleoftheobedienceGoddesiresofus.FAMILYTIME:Watchthemovie,TheNativityStorywithyourfamily.Afterward,usethedevotionalcontentaboveandthediscussionquestionsbelowtodebrief,notingMary’sobedienceandbringinghometheconceptthatGodcallsustosimilarobedienceaswell.GOINGDEEPER:1.PutyourselfinMary’sposition.Howdoyouthinkyouwouldhaverespondedtotheangel’smessage?2.WhatmakesithardtobelievethatyouarepartofGod’splanfortheworld?3.WhatcanyoudotobecomemoreobedienttoGod?


ALookattheShepherdsThisdevotionalwaswrittenbyJimLiebeltWhentheyhadseenhim,theyspreadthewordconcerningwhathadbeentoldthemaboutthischild,andallwhohearditwereamazedatwhattheshepherdssaidtothem.ButMarytreasuredupallthesethingsandponderedtheminherheart.Theshepherdsreturned,glorifyingandpraisingGodforallthethingstheyhadheardandseen,whichwerejustastheyhadbeentold.—Luke2:17-20Havingheardtheangel’spronouncementconcerningJesus’birth,andtheheavenlyarmypraisingGod,theshepherdslefttheirfieldsandflockstofindJesus.Theywantedtoseeforthemselves.AftertheyhadseenJesus,theydidn’tkeeptheamazingcircumstancestothemselves.AstheGospelofLukerecords,“theyspreadtheword.”Then,theyreturnedtotheirfieldsandflocks,glorifyingandpraisingGod.NofurtherdescriptionisprovidedabouttheseshepherdsintheScripturesregardinghowtheirliveswereimpactedbywhattheyhadheardandseen.But,it’seasytoimaginethattheywereneverquitethesame.It’snotdifficulttobelievethattheykepttellingthestorytoanyonewillingtolisten.Today,we’renotmuchdifferentthantheshepherdswere.We,likethem,havetheopportunitytoencounterJesus.We,likethem,canbechangedbytheencounter.We,likethem,cansharethegoodnewsaboutJesuswhereverourjourneystakeus.We,likethem,canpraiseandglorifyGod.Andwe,likethem,canreturntoourresponsibilitiesandrolesinlifeandkeeptellingothersabouttheKingofKings.AswecelebrateChristmas,maywechoosenottokeeptheGoodNewsofJesusasecret.OutofthanksgivingforwhatGodhasdoneforusandinus,let’spraiseandglorifyHim,andsharethegoodnewswithwhomeveriswillingtolisten.FAMILYTIME:OnaclearandstarrynightbeforeChristmas,rallythetroopsforalittlefieldtrip.Findasafe,outdoorspotwhereyoucanclearlyenjoyseeingthestars.Askeveryonetoimagineanightlikethis2,000yearsago.Then,askeveryonewhattheythinkitmighthavebeenliketohavethequietshatteredbylightandangelspronouncingthebirthofJesus.Usethedevotionalcontentaboveandaskthequestionsbelowtohaveadiscussionabouttheshepherds.GOINGDEEPER:1.CanyouimagineitpossiblethatyourbeliefinJesusmightbetracedbacktoashepherdwhowenttoBethlehem,sawJesusandtoldothersabouttheexperience?Whyorwhynot?2.WhatdoyoufindhardestabouttellingothersthegoodnewsofJesus?3.HowwouldyouchoosetolivedifferentlytodayifyouwereconvincedthatyourbeliefinJesusmightinfluencesomeonewhowilllivetwothousandyearsfromnowtoalsobelieve?


ChristmasCanChangeYourLifeThisdevotionalwaswrittenbyJimLiebeltJesussaid,“ProvebythewayyoulivethatyouhaverepentedofyoursinsandturnedtoGod.”Matthew3:8(NLT)Oneofmyall-timefavoriteChristmasmoviesisTheMuppetChristmasCarol.ItretainsthesamestoryastheDickensclassic,butit’smuchfunnier.Themessagethatit’snottoolatetochangeyourliferingsoutloudandclear.So,whynotwatchthemovieanddosomereflectiononyourlife?There’snobettertimethanChristmastime,aswecelebrateGod’sgreatestgifttous,tomakeadecisiontochange!KnowthatthepowerofChristispresenttohelpyou!WecelebrateChristmasbecauseGodsentJesusintotheworldtoshowusourneedtochangeourlivesandtofollowtheexampleofHislife.FAMILYTIME:WatchTheMuppetChristmasCarolmoviewithyourfamilyandusethequestionsbelowtodebriefafterthemovieisover.GOINGDEEPER:1.WhatlessonscanwelearnfromthethingsthatScroogeexperienced?2.Isitevertoolatetochangeyourmindabouthowyouliveyourlife?Whyorwhynot?3.Ifyouweretochooseonethingthatyouwouldchangeabouthowyourlife,whatwoulditbe?


ChristmasFoodfortheSoulThisdevotionalwaswrittenbyJimLiebeltJesussaid,“Iamthebreadoflife.Whoevercomestomewillneverbehungryagain.”John6:35WithChristmastimecomeslotsofgoodfood.Christmascandy,cookies,cakes,pies,andChristmasdinnerareallpartofthespecialnatureofourChristmascelebrations.It’scommonlynotedthatonaverage,peoplegainbetweenfiveandtenpoundsduringtheholidayseason.Yikes!But,whileweenjoystuffingourselveswithChristmasgoodies,howaboutdoingsomethinkingonourspiritualnourishment?ChristmasisawonderfultimetorememberthatJesusisthe“breadoflife.”It’sapowerfulillustrationofwhatJesusismeanttobetoourlives.He’sthesourceoflife.He’sthefoodoursoulsneed!ThisChristmas,makesureyourfeedingyoursoulahealthydietofJesus.FAMILYTIME:BakeanddecoratehomemadeChristmascookies.Alloweveryoneinthefamilytoparticipateinsomeway.Leteveryoneinthefamilyrequesttheirfavoritekindofcookie.Asyoumakecookies,usethedevotionalcontentaboveandaskthequestionsinthe“GoingDeeper”sectionbelowtoremindyourfamilythatJesusisthe“breadoflife.”GOINGDEEPER:1.WhatcanyoudothisChristmastomakesureyouarefillingyoursoulwithJesus?2.WithChristmasgoodies,therecanbe“toomuchofagoodthing.”Overeatingcanbeanissue.ButcanweeverhavetoomuchofJesus?Whyorwhynot?


DoNotBeAfraid!ThisdevotionalwaswrittenbyJimLiebeltAndtherewereshepherdslivingoutinthefieldsnearby,keepingwatchovertheirflocksatnight.AnangeloftheLordappearedtothem,andthegloryoftheLordshonearoundthem,andtheywereterrified.Buttheangelsaidtothem,“Donotbeafraid.Ibringyougoodnewsofgreatjoythatwillbeforallthepeople.TodayinthetownofDavidaSaviorhasbeenborntoyou;heisChristtheLord.”Luke2:8-11Therearealotofscarythingsinourworldthesedayslikewars,naturaldisasters,violence,andeconomicdifficulties.Ifwedon’tkeepacloseeyeonourattitudesandperspectives,fearcancreepintoourlives.Uncheckedfearcanparalyzeanddamageoursouls,makingitdifficulttolivelifetothefullest,asGodintends.Inanotherlongagodarkeraofhumanhistory,itshouldnotgowithoutnoticethatwhenGodbreaksontothescenetoannouncethebirthofJesus,thefirstthingtheangelsaidtotheshepherdswas,“Donotbeafraid!”WecelebrateChristmasasGodlovedussomuchtogiveusthegiftofJesuswhocanconquerthefearinourlivesaswetrustinHim.“Perfectlovedrivesoutfear.”1John4:18“CastallyouranxietyonHim,becauseHecaresforyou.”1Peter5:17"Fearnot,"thensaidtheAngel,"letnothingyouaffright,ThisdayisbornaSaviorOfpureVirginbright,TofreeallthosewhotrustinHimFromSatan'spowerandmight."Otidingsofcomfortandjoy,comfortandjoy,Otidingsofcomfortandjoy. (fromGodRestYeMerry,Gentlemen)FAMILYTIME:Sealanemptybox,andwrapitwithChristmaswrappingtomakeitlooklikeaChristmaspresent.Onthesideofthebox,cutaslitinit,largeenoughtoslipapieceofpaperintothebox.SettheboxundertheChristmastree.Usethecontentaboveandaskthediscussionquestionsfoundinthe“GoingDeeper”sectionbelowtohaveafamilydiscussionabouthowJesuscametofreeusfromfear.Afterthediscussion,giveeachfamilyapieceofpaperandapen.Haveeveryonemakealistofwhatmakesthemafraid.Wheneveryoneisdone,havethemplacetheirlistintheemptyboxundertheChristmastree,explainingthatasafamily,youaresymbolicallychoosingtogiveyourfearstoJesus.Keeptheboxunderthetreeuntil


justbeforeChristmasasareminderthatwithJesusinourlives,thereisnoreasontofear.RemovetheboxanddisposeofitbeforethefamilyopenstheirChristmasgifts.GOINGDEEPER:1.Whatmakesyouafraid?2.Howhasfearbeenanobstacletoexperiencingjoyinyourlife?3.InwhatwayscancelebratingChristmasservetodrivefearoutofyourlife?


AwayinaPalace?ThisdevotionalwaswrittenbyJimLiebeltWhiletheywerethere,thetimecameforthebabytobeborn,andshegavebirthtoherfirstborn,ason.Shewrappedhiminclothsandplacedhiminamanger,becausetherewasnoroomforthemintheinn.Luke2:6-7Wouldn’tyouexpecttheKingofKingsandtheLordofLordstobeborninapalacewithluxuriesallaround?Thatmakessense,butwasn’tthewaythebirthofJesustookplace.WhyliesHeinsuchmeanestateWhereoxandassarefeeding?GoodChristian,fear:forsinnershere,ThesilentWordispleading.This,thisisChristtheKingWhomshepherdsguardandangelssing.Haste,hastetobringHimlaud,TheBabe,theSonofMary. (fromWhatChildisThis?)Jesus,theSavioroftheworld,enteredthisworldunderthemosthumblecircumstances.Nopomp,nopalace,justabarn.I’mconfidentthattheGodoftheUniversecouldhavearrangedforatleastoneavailableroomintheinn.ButHedidn’t.Haveyoueverwonderedwhy?IhavetobelieveitwasdoneinkeepingwiththehumilityandgentlenessthatJesuswoulddemonstrateHisentirelife.Jesussaid,“Cometome,allyouwhoarewearyandburdened,andIwillgiveyourest.Takemyyokeuponyouandlearnfromme,forIamgentleandhumbleinheart,andyouwillfindrestforyoursouls.Formyyokeiseasyandmyburdenislight."Matthew11:28-30IntheScripturesweneverseeJesusforcingHimselfuponothers.Rather,wefindalovinginvitationtocomeandfollow.Theinvitationisstillopen.WecelebrateChristmas,recognizingthegentleandhumblenatureoftheSavior.FAMILYTIME:Inmostareas,sometimearoundChristmas,youcanfindachurchorotherorganizationthathostsa“live”nativityscene.Takeyourfamilyonanoutingifsuchanopportunityexists.Alternatively,thereareboundtobesomenativitydisplaystobefoundinyourarea,eveniftheyaren’t“live.”Visitoneofthese.Anotheralternativewouldbetogatheraroundacrècheinyourhome.Oncegathered,usethecontentaboveandaskthe“GoingDeeper”questionsbelowforafamilydiscussionaboutthehumblecircumstancessurroundingJesus’birth.GOINGDEEPER:1.WhatdothecircumstancesofJesus’humblebirthteachyouaboutGod?2.WhatotherreasonsmightGodhavehadinJesus’humblebirth?3.IfJesushadbeenborninapalace,wouldhavemadeanydifferencetoyou?Whyorwhynot?


ALightintheDarknessThisdevotionalwaswrittenbyJimLiebeltThepeoplewalkingindarknesshaveseenagreatlight;onthoselivinginthelandoftheshadowofdeathalighthasdawned.Isaiah9:2ThisprophecyofthecomingMessiahbroughtasenseofhopetopeoplelivingindark,difficulttimes.Attimes,we’veallsensedtherealityoflivinginadarkworld.ThehopeoftheprophecywasfulfilledinJesus,whosaid,“Iamthelightoftheworld.”(SeealsoMatthew4:12-16.)ThroughJesus,wecanliveourlivesinthelightofHislove,peace,andtruth.“InHimwaslife,andthatlifewasthelightofmen…Thetruelightthatgiveslighttoeverymanwascomingintotheworld.”John1:4,8OlittletownofBethlehem,Howstillweseetheelie.AbovethydeepanddreamlesssleepThesilentstarsgoby;YetinthydarkstreetsshinethTheeverlastingLight;ThehopesandfearsofalltheyearsAremetintheetonight. (fromOLittleTownofBethlehem)WecelebrateChristmasbecauseGodgaveJesustoustoshinelightuponanydarknessinourlives.FAMILYTIME:Today,lightacandleinyourhomeasareminderofthelightJesusgivesus.UsethedevotionalcontentabovetoengageyourfamilyinadiscussionaboutJesusasthe“lightoflife.”Encouragefamilymemberstobeasourceoflightinthelivesofothers.ContinuelightingthecandlethroughouttheChristmasseasonasanongoingreminder.GOINGDEEPER:1.HowhasJesusbroughtlighttoyourlife?2.WhataresomeactionsyoucantaketodaytodemonstratethelightofJesustosomeoneelse?


ForUntoUsaChildisBornThisdevotionalwaswrittenbyJimLiebeltFortousachildisborn,tousasonisgiven,andthegovernmentwillbeuponhisshoulders.AndhewillbecalledWonderfulCounselor,MightyGod,EverlastingFather,PrinceofPeace.—Isaiah9:6Whowouldcometosavetheworld?Apowerfulruler?Amightywarrior?Askilledpolitician?Anyoftheseexpectationswouldmakesense.But,GoddecidedthatJesuswouldentertheworldscene,justasweallhavedone,asababy.Asanadult,Jesusdidnotseekpoliticaloffice.HedidnotcometofomentrevolutiontoreplacetherulingRomans.Instead,HecameinobediencetodothewillofHisHeavenlyFather.ThroughHisobedience,andbyHisdeathandresurrection,HewasprovedtobetheSonofGod.SobringHimincense,goldandmyrrh;Comepeasant,kingtoownHim.TheKingofKingssalvationbrings;LetlovingheartsenthroneHim.This,thisisChristtheKingWhomshepherdsguardandangelssing.Haste,hastetobringHimlaud,TheBabe,theSonofMary. (fromWhatChildisThis?)TheangelGabrieltoldMary,“Youwillbewithchildandgivebirthtoason,andyouaretogivehimthenameJesus.HewillbegreatandwillbecalledtheSonoftheMostHigh.TheLordGodwillgivehimthethroneofhisfatherDavid,andhewillreignoverthehouseofJacobforever;hiskingdomwillneverend."Luke1:31-33WecelebrateChristmasasthecomingofJesus,theSonofGod,theKingofKingswhomtheScripturessayreignsnowandforever.FAMILYTIME:Usethedevotionalcontentaboveandthequestionsfromthe“GoingDeeper”sectionbelowtohaveafamilydiscussion.Onaplainsheetofpaper(maybeoneintypicalChristmascolors)useamarkertowritethewords,“WelcomeJesus!”atthetop.Then,asafamily,makealistofallofthethingsthatmadeJesusspecial.Forexample,oneitemonthelistmightbe“Hehealedthesick.”Anothermightbe,“Hewashumbleandgentle.”Whencompleted,postthelistinaplacewheretheentirefamilycanbeeasilyremindedofJesus,theSonofGod,whosecomingwecelebrateatChristmas.GOINGDEEPER:1.InwhatwayshasJesusbeenaWonderfulCounselortoyou?2.HowhasHebeenthePrinceofPeaceinyourlife?3.WhatexamplesfromJesus’lifecanyouthinkofthatdemonstrateHewasadifferentkindofleaderthanwhattheworldwasaccustomedtoexperiencing?


Christmas:WhenYourHeartGrowsThreeSizesThisdevotionalwaswrittenbyJimLiebeltIwillgiveyouanewheartandputanewspiritinyou;Iwillremovefromyouyourheartofstoneandgiveyouaheartofflesh.—Ezekiel36:26InDr.Seuss’classicChristmastale,HowtheGrinchStoleChristmas,theGrinchsuffersfromhavingasmallheart.ThesourceofhisheartproblemishislackofunderstandingthemeaningofChristmas.Asthestorygoes,theGrinchtriestoputastoptoChristmas,butintheend,hecomestounderstandwhatChristmasisallaboutandhisheartgrowsthreesizes!Thisheartchangemakesalife-alteringdifferencefortheGrinch.I’mnotsurewhatDr.Seuss’intentionswerewhenhewrotethestorybackin1957,butitcertainlycomesacrossasaChristianparabletomethatparallelsthechangethattakesplaceinaperson’slifewhenheorshecomestounderstandthetruemeaningofChristmas:thebirthofJesus,God’sSon,whowasborntosaveHispeoplefromtheirsins(Matthew1:21).WhenthelightofthegoodnewsofJesusdawnsupontheheartofaperson,Godreplacestheoldheartofstone,withanewfleshyheart–andanewpersonemerges.AstheApostlePaulwrote,“Therefore,ifanyoneisinChrist,heisanewcreation,theoldhasgone,thenewhascome!”(2Corinthians5:17)“WelcomeChristmas–Whilewestand–Hearttoheart–Andhandinhand.”1Itmightjustmakeallthedifferenceintheworld.OHolyChildofBethlehem,Descendtous,wepray;Castoutoursinandenterin;Beborninustoday!WeheartheChristmasangelsThegreatgladtidingstell;Ocometous,abidewithus,OurLordEmmanuel! (fromOLittleTownofBethlehem)WecelebrateChristmasbecauseofthepowerJesusbroughttochangeourhearts.FAMILYTIME:Gatheryourfamilytogetherandwatchtheclassichalf-hourChristmascartoon,HowtheGrinchStoleChristmas.Then,usingthedevotionalcontentaboveandthediscussionquestionsbelow,leadyourfamilyinadiscussionabouthowJesushasthepowertochangeourhearts.

1 How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Copyright © 1957, Dr. Seuss.


GOINGDEEPER:1.Giveanexampleofatimewhenyouchangedyourmindaboutsomething.2.Howdidthewordsoractionofothersinfluenceyourchangeofheart?3.Towardstheendofthestory,HowtheGrinchStoleChristmas,whathappenedthatcausedtheGrinchtochangehismindaboutChristmas?4.HowhasunderstandingthetruemeaningofChristmasmadeadifferenceinyourlife?


Christmas:JustinTime!ThisdevotionalwaswrittenbyJimLiebeltButwhentherighttimecame,Godsenthisson,bornofawoman,subjecttotheLaw.Galatians4:4(NLT)MostofushaveourtraditionswhenitcomestoChristmasgiftopening.SomefamiliesopentheirgiftsonChristmasEve.SomefamiliesopentheirgiftsonChristmasmorning.Somespreadouttheirgiftopeningoverseveraldaystoextendtheenjoyment.RegardlessofwhenyouopenyourChristmaspresents,youlikelyfeelthatyourfamilyhasthe“rightmoment.”It’sfascinatingtomethatGod’sgifttous,thebirthofHissonJesus;whenGodbecamehuman,wasjustattherightmoment.Notamomenttooearly;notamomenttolate.“Butwhentherighttimecame,”theScripturereveals.Thankfully,wehavethecertaintyofScriptures,thatJesusdidcome;thatHelivedamongus;thatHediedforoursins;thatHeconquereddeathandroseagain.WehavethebenefitofthoseChrist-followerswhohavegonebeforeus,passingdowntoustheassuranceofJesus’lifeandministryamongus.WeshareinthelegacyofwhatGodhasdoneinhumanhistoryandcontinuestodoinduringourtime.WeareapartofHisongoingstoryintheworld.Ocome,Ocome,Emmanuel,AndransomcaptiveIsrael,Thatmournsinlonelyexilehere,UntiltheSonofGodappear.Rejoice!Rejoice!Emmanuelshallcometothee,OIsrael (fromOcome,Ocome,Emmanuel)WecelebrateChristmasasthetimetorememberandgivethanksforJesus,whocame“justintime!”FAMILYTIME:Usethedevotionalcontentaboveandthe“GoingDeeper”contentbelowtoengageyourfamilyinadiscussionaboutJesusbirthasbeing“justintime.”Thentogether,planafamily“justintime”project.Thinkofpeopleinyourworld(relatives,friends,neighbors)whohavespecificneeds.Discusstheseanddecideononepersonwhoseneedyoubelieveyourfamilycanmeet.Then,togetherdeviseaplantomeetthatneed.Forexample,theremightbeanelderlyneighborwhoisunabletoperformfallclean-upontheiryard.Yourfamilycansetadateandgoovertothehomeanddosomeleafraking.Whenyoumeettheneed,besuretotellthepersonthatyouarehelpingoutasawaytocelebrateJesus,whosebirthwas“justintime.”GOINGDEEPER:1.IfJesushadnotcomewhenHedid,butwasbornduringourtime,doyoubelieveyouwouldrecognizeHim?Whyorwhynot?2.Whatparthaveotherpeoplehadinhelpingyoutoconnect(and/orkeepyouconnected)toJesus?3.Thankoneofthesepeoplethisweek.


WhatChristmasIsAllAboutThisdevotionalwaswrittenbyJimLiebeltAndtherewereshepherdslivingoutinthefieldsnearby,keepingwatchovertheirflocksatnight.AnangeloftheLordappearedtothem,andthegloryoftheLordshonearoundthem,andtheywereterrified.Buttheangelsaidtothem,“Donotbeafraid.Ibringyougoodnewsofgreatjoythatwillbeforallthepeople.TodayinthetownofDavidaSaviorhasbeenborntoyou;heisChristtheLord.”—Luke2:8-11OneofmyfavoriteChristmastelevisionspecialsofall-timeisACharlieBrownChristmas.Inthecartoon,CharlieBrownwrestleswiththetruemeaningofChristmasinthemidstofaworldthatseemsoverloadedwithcommercialism.Firstappearingin1965,theissuesCharlieBrowngrappleswithringjustastruetodayastheydidover50yearsago.Inonescene,CharlieBrownissofrustrated,heyells,“Isn’tthereanyonewhoknowswhatChristmasisallabout?”Toanswer,Charlie’sfriendLinusstepsoutontotheauditoriumstageandrecitestheChristmasstorystraightfromtheGospelofLuke.Itseemssosimple.Yettoday,manypeoplecelebratetheholidayforalotofreasons,andsomehavenothingtodowiththebirthofChrist,likefamilytraditions,adayofffromwork,atimeofgift-giving,SantaClaus,parties,andsoon.CommercialismandmaterialismisapartofthefabricofChristmascultureinoursociety.It’seasytoforgetthat“Jesusisthereasonfortheseason.”Yea,Lord,wegreetThee,Bornthishappymorning,Jesus,toTheebeallglorygiven;SonoftheFather,Nowinfleshappearing;Ocome,letusadoreHim,Ocome,letusadoreHim,Ocome,letusadoreHim,Christ,theLord.—(fromOCome,AllYeFaithful)MakethisoneofyourbestChristmasesbychoosingtomakethebirthofJesustheprimarymotivationforyourcelebrations.FAMILYTIME:WatchACharlieBrownChristmaswithyourfamilyandusethedevotionalcontentaboveandaskthequestionsfromthe“GoingDeeper”sectionbelowtodebriefaftertheprogramisover.GOINGDEEPER:1.WhatproblemsdidCharlieBrownfaceintryingtounderstandtherealmeaningofChristmas?2.HowdoescommercialismandmaterialismdetractfromtherealmeaningofChristmas?3.WhatcanyoudothisChristmastimetoremindyourselfoftherealmeaningofChristmas?


TheFirstChristmasGiftsThisdevotionalwaswrittenbyJimLiebeltAftertheyhadheardtheking,theywentontheirway,andthestartheyhadseenintheeastwentaheadofthemuntilitstoppedovertheplacewherethechildwas.Whentheysawthestar,theywereoverjoyed.Oncomingtothehouse,theysawthechildwithhismotherMary,andtheyboweddownandworshipedhim.Thentheyopenedtheirtreasuresandpresentedhimwithgiftsofgoldandofincenseandofmyrrh.—Matthew2:9-11ThemagiwenttogreatlengthstofindJesus,thenewbornking,travelingagreatdistancetofindHim.Followingthestar,theyeventuallyfoundJesus.Whentheydid,theyworshippedHim,andgaveHimthefirstChristmasgifts:gold,incenseandmyrrh.Wethreekingsoforientare;Bearinggiftswetraverseafar,Fieldandfountain,Moorandmountain,Followingyonderstar. (fromWeThreeKingsofOrientAre)Twothingsstandoutinthisencounter.First,themagiwerepaganastrologers,buttheyweremovedtofindthekingoftheJews.Andwhentheydid,theseastrologersboweddownandworshipedJesus.It’samazingthatevenatJesus’birth,wehaveanimportantpicturepaintedforusthatHewouldbetheredeemersenttoeveryone,notjustaselectfew,andthatourresponsetoJesusisthatofworship.Secondly,weseethemagipresentingJesuswithpreciousgifts.GivingandreceivinggiftsareafavoritepartofourChristmascelebrationstoday.Yettypically,wecelebrateChristmasmoreforGod’sgiftofJesustousthanasatimewhenwegivegiftstoJesus.Maybeit’stimetochangeourpriorities.WecangivegiftstoJesusthroughourworshipandthroughourcommitmenttofollowHim.AswecelebrateChristmasthisyear,choosetogiveJesusyourlifeasagifttoHim.FAMILYTIME:BeforeChristmas,findanemptyboxandputamirrorinit.Withadry-erasemarkerwritethewords,“To:Jesus”onthemirror.ThenclosetheboxandwrapitwithChristmasgift-wrapping.Putatagonitthatreads“To:Jesus.”WhenyourfamilyisopeningChristmasgifts,usethedevotionalcontentaboveandaskthequestionsfromthe“GoingDeeper”sectionbelowtohaveadiscussionabouttheMagi,whobroughtgiftstoJesus.Then,haveafamilymemberopentheboxandlookinside.Passtheboxwiththemirrorinit(orjustpassaroundthemirror)toeveryoneinthefamilyasareminderthatwecangiveourselvestoJesusasHisChristmasgift.GOINGDEEPER:1.WhydoyoufeelthemagiwantedtofindJesus?2.Doesthemagi’sresponsetofindingJesus(worshippingandgivinggifts)seemoddtoyou?Whyorwhynot?3.WhatissomethingspecificyoucandotogiveJesusaChristmasgiftthisyear?


TheRealSt.NicholasThisdevotionalwaswrittenbyJimLiebeltFollowmyexample,asIfollowtheexampleofChrist.—1Corinthians11:1ManyfamilieschoosenottoincludeSantaClausasapartoftheirChristmascelebrations.ThelegendofSanta,theNorthPole,flyingreindeer,keepingnaughtyandnicelists,andcomingdownthechimneycanseemasjusttoomuchdistractionfromthetruemeaningofChristmasformanyChristianfamilies.But,whateveryourfamilychoosestodowithSantaClaus,itmaybeworthwhiletoconsiderthehistoricalSt.Nicholas.“Nicholaslivedlongago,inthethirdcentury,inaplacecalledAsiaMinor,whatisnowthecountryofTurkey.HisparentsdiedfromanillnesswhileNicholaswasateenagerandlefthimalargeinheritanceofmoney.Nicholas’parentstaughthimaboutJesus.Ashegrewolder,hefollowedtheteachingsofJesusandsoldallhispossessions,secretlygivingmoneytothoseinneed.“Nicholasbecamewell-lovedbythepeopleandlaterbecametheBishopofMyra.HediedonDecember6,343A.D.Theanniversaryofhisdeathbecameadayofcelebrationinhishonor,calledSt.NicholasDay.Onthisday,childrenwouldgiveandreceivesmallgiftsofcandy,chocolateinitialletters,orriddleshiddeninbakedgoodsorinelaboratepackaging.Childrenalsohungstockingsbythefireorplacedshoesfilledwithcarrotsandhayforthehorse,eagerlyawaitinggiftsfromSt.Nicholas.GoldballsororangesweregiventorepresentthegiftsofgoldoncegivenbySt.Nicholas.”1InfluencedbySt.Nicholas’popularityinEurope,immigrantsbroughthisstoryandtraditiontoAmerica.Overtheyears,legendwasweddedtohistoricalelementsanddevelopedintoourmoderndaySantaClaus.WhilewecelebrateChristmasasthebirthofJesus,wecanhaveanappropriateappreciationforthelivesHehastouched.ThisincludesthosewhoselivesdemonstratedcompassionandselflessnessoutoftheirloveforJesus.St.Nicholaswassuchaperson.FAMILYTIME:EvenifSantaClausisn’tpartofyourfamily’sChristmascelebrations,it’scertainthattheywillbeexposedtoimagesandmessagesofSanta(television,movies,stores,decorations,familytraditions)duringtheholidayseason.Atanappropriatepoint,usethecontentaboveandthediscussionquestionsbelowtoengageyourfamilyinadiscussionaboutthehistoricalSt.NicholasandthewonderfulexamplehesetasafollowerofJesus.Asafamily,showsomecompassionandselflessnessbychoosingsomeone(perhapssomeoneneedy)anddecideonameaningfulgiftyoucangivethispersonforChristmas.Together,deliverthegifttothisperson.GOINGDEEPER:1.Whatisyourfamily’sapproachonSantaClausaspartofyourChristmascelebrations?Why?2.HowmightconsideringthehistoricalSt.Nicholasactuallyaddtoyourfamily’sChristmascelebrationratherthandistractfromit?1TheRealSantaClaus:TheWonderfulStoryofSt.NicholasarticlebyJimBurnsandLeslieSnyder.


TheRestoftheStoryThisdevotionalwaswrittenbyJimLiebeltShewillgivebirthtoason,andyouaretogivehimthenameJesus,becausehewillsavehispeoplefromtheirsins.—Matthew1:21EachDecemberwecelebrateChristmasasthebirthofJesus.Then,inthespring,wecelebrateEasterforJesus’deathandresurrection.Butreally,thesetwopartsofthestoryofJesus’lifecannotbeseparated.ChristmaswouldloseitsmeaningwithoutrememberingwhatJesusdidduringHislife.JesuslivedtorevealGodtous.Hewascrucifiedandroseagaintopaythepenaltyforoursins,toinviteusintorelationshipwithGod,andtoofferuseternallife.Hail!theheaven-bornPrinceofPeace!Hail!theSonofRighteousness!LightandlifetoallHebrings,RisenwithhealinginHiswings.MildHelaysHisgloryby,Bornthatmannomoremaydie;Borntoraisethesonsofearth,BorntogivethemsecondbirthHark!theheraldangelssing,"GlorytothenewbornKing" (fromHark!TheHeraldAngelsSing)WecelebrateChristmasnotonlyforJesus’birth,butalsoforHislife,deathandresurrection.ThroughHim,wehavearealreasontocelebrate.ThroughJesus,oursinsareforgiven!FAMILYTIME:First,makeaChristmasornamentoutofalargenail.Ifyoudon’thavealargenailathome,visitalocalhomeimprovementorhardwarestoreandpurchasethelargestnailyoucanfind.Athome,usesomeChristmasribbonandgluetosecuretheribbontothenail.Tietheribbonattheendstomakealoop.Then,usetheabovecontentalongwiththe“GoingDeeper”contentbelowtohaveafamilydiscussionaboutJesusand“therestofthestory”.Together,hangthenailornamentonyourChristmastreeasareminderthatevenasyourfamilycelebratesChristmas,youwillrememberallthatJesushasdone.GOINGDEEPER:1.HowdoyoufeelourChristmascelebrationswouldbedifferentifJesushadnothavebeencrucifiedorraisedfromthedead?2.MakealistofallthereasonsyouarethankfulforJesus.


GodWithUsThisdevotionalwaswrittenbyJimLiebeltThevirginwillbewithchildandwillgivebirthtoason,andtheywillcallhimImmanuel—whichmeans,"Godwithus."—Matthew1:23NoneofusalivetodayhaveseenGod.Thisdoesn’tcausemeanyconcern,becausewehavetheScriptures,fellow-believers,andtheHolySpiritlivingwithinustodemonstrateGod’songoingpresenceinourlivesandintheworld.ButcanyouimaginetheopportunitythosewholivedwhenJesuslivedonearthhad?ThosewhosawJesussawGod.Canyouimaginethedisciples?Theywalked,talked,andsharedmealswithGod.CanyouimaginetheApostleJohn?HelaidhisheadonGod.(John13:23–NewAmericanStandard–reads,“TherewasrecliningonJesus’bosom,oneofhisdisciples,whomJesusloved.”)InJesus,Godbecameman,andlivedamongus(SeeJohn1).ThroughHislife,HerevealedGodtous.And,theimpactofHispresencewithusstillshapesandtransformslives.HeisstillpresentthroughHisHolySpirittotransformyours.Joytotheworld,theLordiscome!LetearthreceiveherKing;LeteveryheartprepareHimroom,Andheavenandnaturesing,Andheavenandnaturesing,Andheaven,andheaven,andnaturesing. (fromJoytotheWorld)WecelebrateChristmasforthemiraclethatinJesus,Godiswithus.FAMILYTIME:GoonlinetosearchforacopyofLouisCasselsstory,TheParableoftheBirds.Printoffacopy.Gatheryourfamilytogetherandreadtheparable,andthenusethecontentaboveandthediscussionquestionsbelowtoengageindiscussionaboutthemiraclethatinJesus,Godiswithus.GOINGDEEPER:1.HowhasyourlifechangedbecauseGodiswithus?2.HowdoesknowingthatGodiswithusbringhopetoyourlife?

HW Family Christmas Devotional Series 2016 - s Family Christmas Devotional Series ... Watch The...

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