Family Advent Devotional We hope you and your family enjoy using this Advent devotional to help prepare your hearts for the birth of our savior, Jesus Christ. Each devotion calls for an object. Use items you have around your home, or be creative and use something that helps you reflect on the day’s message.
Week 1: Nov. 29 Theme: Hope Object: Marble Scripture: Isaiah 9:6‐7; John 1:10‐12 The word ADVENT comes from the Latin word meaning “coming.” This week, we celebrate the FIRST time Jesus came to earth, and we look forward to His return! HOLD UP A MARBLE, AND LOOK THROUGH IT. What do you see? Everything is upside down. Jesus came to turn the world UPSIDE down. To make clean what was filthy with sin, to forgive, to bring love & grace. Scripture & Discussion Questions • Isa. 9:6‐7‐ What did people think Jesus would be like? • Do you think He was what they expected? • People were looking for a MIGHTY King, and Jesus was a baby born in a manger. How is that upside down and backwards, and why do you think that is exactly how God planned it to happen? • John 1:10‐12 ‐ How did people receive Jesus? How did He turn the world upside down? • How has Jesus changed you? PRAY – Thank God for sending Jesus to our world.
Week 1: Dec. 2 ‐ Theme: Hope Object: Star
Scripture: Matthew 2:9‐10 Draw a star or find a picture of one. Cut it out and stick it somewhere in your home where it will be a reminder of the star that led the wise men to Jesus, and the HOPE He brought the world.
Scripture & Discussion Questions • Matthew 2:9‐10 How did the wise men know about Jesus, and how did they find Him? • How did you first find out about Jesus? • The star represented hope and joy for the wise men; what does it remind you of, or represent in your life? • How can you seek Jesus this week?
PRAY – Thank God for allowing us to have a relationship with Jesus, and for sending the star as a symbol of hope, grace, and the birth of a Savior.
Week 2, Dec. 6 ‐ Theme: Peace Object: pipe cleaner Scripture: Luke 1:26‐38; Luke 2:13‐14 The angel Gabriel delivered the news to Mary, and she responded with grace and PEACE. The angels‐ came to praise God, singing “Peace on earth, goodwill to men.” SHAPE A PIPE CLEANER INTO THE SHAPE OF AN ANGEL (or just wings, halo, etc.). Take Turns. Scripture & Discussion Questions • What shape did you make the pipe cleaner? How does that represent peace? •Luke 1:26‐38 How did Mary react to the news? How would you have reacted? • Why do you think Mary was chosen to be the mother of Jesus? • Are your heart and life filled with peace? Why or why not? PRAY – Ask God to fill your heart with peace and help you be a vessel of His peace to others.
Week 2: Dec. 9 ‐ Theme: Peace Object: Bubbles
Scripture: Matthew 1:23 Take turns blowing bubbles. These symbolize our prayers going up to heaven. As you blow bubbles, share a prayer request or praise to send up to God, who is always with us, and hears our prayers. Scripture & Discussion Questions • Matthew 1:23 What does the name Immanuel mean? Why do you think God chose that name? • How do you know God is always with you, and hears all your prayers? • Even when the bubbles pop and disappear, God doesn’t disappear. He is always with us, even when we can’t see Him. How does that make you feel?
PRAY – Pray over your family’s prayer requests, and include praises for things God has done in your life.
Week 3: Dec. 13 ‐ Theme: Joy Object: jingle bell
Scripture: Luke 2:1‐7; Psalm 105:2‐3 The Savior of the world, our King, was born over 2,000 years ago in a manger, and HE was the first true Christmas present‐ a reason to REJOICE and give THANKS to God! RING a bell and listen to its sound. As it rings, sing a Christmas carol together. Make music and sing to the Lord, thanking Him for Jesus. Scripture & Discussion Questions • Luke 2:1‐17 Why do you think Jesus was born in a manger? How would you have felt, if you would have been there in the manger? • Psalm 105:2‐3 Why can you give thanks and rejoice this Christmas? • Name 3 things you are excited about and thankful for this Christmas. • What is your favorite Christmas carol or worship song? PRAY – Pray the words of the song “Joy to the World”
Week 3: Dec. 16 ‐ Theme: Joy Object: Play Dough Scripture: 2 Corinthians 4:6‐7 Shape the play dough into a jar. This verse says WE are like jars of clay‐ holding the greatness of God’s glory in us, and carrying His all‐surpassing power inside our hearts, and shining His light.
Scripture & Discussion Questions • 2 Corinthians 4:6‐7 How are we like jars of clay? What does the verse say we have inside us? • During Christmas, it’s easy to get wrapped up the stress and busyness of the holiday season, but God wants us to be FILLED WITH HIM and His joy. Are you filled with His presence this Christmas? • What can you do to grow closer to God and shine His light this Christmas?
PRAY – Ask God to help you become more like Him and let His light fill you and shine inside you.
Week 4, Dec. 20 ‐ Theme: Love Object: Candle Scripture: John 1:2‐9; John 3:16 Jesus came to be a light to a world that was full of darkness. He came to bring love, forgiveness, grace, and salvation‐ God’s gift to us. HOLD UP A CANDLE. How is Jesus like the candle? What happens when you light it (parents only) in a dark room? It lights up the room, like Jesus lights up the world. Scripture & Discussion Questions • John 1:2‐9 What does this passage say about why Jesus came to earth? How does He bring light to the darkness? •John 3:16 What does this say about God’s love for the world and for you personally? • How does Jesus shine light in your life? •Have you accepted God’s gift of salvation?
PRAY – Thank God for sending Jesus to be a light for the world, and ask Him for forgiveness. Ask Him to shine His light in your life and through you.
Week 4: Dec. 23 ‐ Theme: Love Object: Cookie Cutter
Scripture: 1 John 3:16‐18 What shape is your cookie cutter? How does this shape remind you of Jesus’ birth (or the Gospel)? You may need to use creativity.
Scripture & Discussion Questions • If your cookie cutter is in the shape of something the world thinks of about Christmas (presents, candy cane, snowmen, toys, etc.), how is that different from what the Bible says about how we celebrate Christmas? • 1 John 3:16‐18 How does the Bible say we should treat others and love others? How are you doing at that? • Take it one step further: use your cookie cutter to make cookies and share them with someone who needs to know Jesus loves them.
PRAY – Thank Jesus for His love and faithfulness.
Dec. 24 ‐ Theme: Love Object: Rock Scripture: 2 Samuel 22:2 God is our ROCK, our Lord, and our best friend. How has God been a rock in your life this week? Use a marker to write GOD IS MY ROCK on your rock, and keep it as a reminder. Scripture & Discussion Questions • Psalm 62:7 How has God been a rock and a refuge in your life this year? • What has been the hardest, or most stressful thing you’ve dealt with so far this Christmas season? How has God helped you? • What do you need God’s help with today?
PRAY – Ask God to remind you that He will give you strength and help when you need it.
Dec. 25 ‐ Theme: Love Object: Birthday Candle Scripture: Matthew 2:11 This candle represents our celebration for the birth of our Savior! How do you celebrate your birthday? You can light the candle and sing “Happy Birthday” to Jesus, or even make a cake or a card for Him! Scripture & Discussion Questions • Matthew 2:11 How did the Magi celebrate the birth of Jesus? What gifts did they bring Him, and why do you think they brought those? • What stands out to you about the birth of Jesus? • How do you celebrate your birthday? How can you celebrate the birthday of Jesus today?
PRAY – Thank God that Jesus was born JUST for us, and we can rejoice and celebrate!
