2021 Christmas Family Devotional
Dear Parents,
This Christmas season is a time for rejoicing! Regardless of what is happening in the world, we can celebrate Jesus Christ and his message of hope! This year is a timely opportunity to share the Gospel message within the context of the holidays.
Our goal as believers is to bring glory to God in the way we live and to be obedient to Him in all things. Our goal as parents is to train our children in the ways of the Lord and to see our kids have their very own personal, life-changing relationship with God – a life that brings Him glory. This means sharing His goodness and His message with those who don’t know Him, here in our community or to the ends of the earth. It may be hard at times, but as we encourage them to step out in faith, God empowers our kids to do His work, proving He is still equipping saints of all ages for the work of the ministry.
Psalm 98 is a prophetic one, telling of the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ to earth to redeem the children of Israel and His offer of salvation to all who believe. May this devotional help your children to understand that God Himself wishes to write His Story in their hearts. He wants to use their lives in a way that pleases Him and brings His glory to all the nations. May they see God ‘s Holy Spirit at work in their lives as they encounter Him, are changed by Him, and are used by Him.
The entire Family Devotional follows. It is broken down into three sections, one devotional for each ten day period of the month. I've begun by including some helpful information that should assist in making your family time discussing the Word and applying it all the more impactful.
May God bless you and your family!
Pastor Mark
Things to Consider:
1. Make this doable. Try to commit to a family devotional time, perhaps three times per ten days. Decide on a practical time. Avoid setting yourself up for failure. Adjust it as necessary so they enjoy the time, but also expect some “pushback”. If you miss a time, just pick another! Remember, it’s about the relationship not the accomplishment. Guard against discouragement if it doesn’t go well, and be sure to guard against pride if it does.
2. Talk about the ideas shared as your read God’s Word. Check for understanding by asking good questions and by explaining words that can sound confusing. Next, have a conversation about ways to apply what has been read. Knowledge of the Bible is empty and meaningless unless we do what it says. (James 1:22-25).
3. Model praying for your kids, speaking simply and using words easy for them to understand. It will be easier for them to pray from their heart if they hear you do this.
4. Try a family worship time. Child friendly songs don’t need to be childlike, they just need easy to understand lyrics. Train your child to express love to God and not just sing songs about Him. This is part of them growing in a real relationship with Our Creator. After your worship time, explain phrases they may not understand or interpret differently, i.e. what does “God reigns” mean?
5. If you have older children, allow them to share the responsibility of reading the verses. Leading them to Him is the goal. Check for understanding of difficult words.
6. As they grow in understanding and application of God’s Word, expect them to get excited about their relationship with our Living God. This overflow from their heart will lead then to share Him with others.
Psalm 98
Oh sing to the Lord a new song,
for he has done marvelous things!
His right hand and his holy arm
have worked salvation for him.
The Lord has made known his salvation;
he has revealed his righteousness in the sight of the nations.
He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness
to the house of Israel.
All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth;
break forth into joyous song and sing praises!
Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre,
with the lyre and the sound of melody!
With trumpets and the sound of the horn
make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord!
Let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
the world and those who dwell in it!
Let the rivers clap their hands;
let the hills sing for joy together
before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with equity.
December 1 – 10 Jesus is Revealed!
Psalm 98:1-3
Oh sing to the Lord a new song,
for he has done marvelous things!
His right hand and his holy arm
have worked salvation for him.
The Lord has made known his salvation;
he has revealed his righteousness in the sight of the nations.
He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness
to the house of Israel.
All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
Time of Praise and Thanksgiving
Read Luke 2:1-20 together.
Points to talk about:
• God is in control of world events and uses them for His purposes. This includes fulfilling prophecies from the Old Testament.
• God uses our lives for his purposes even when it looks different than what we want.
Ask your children what Jesus means to them during this season of life. How has God watched over them? How has He taken care of them in good and difficult times?
Lead the children to praise and thank Him for Who He Is.
An example of their praise might be, “Father, I praise you for sending Jesus to us!”
or “God, thank you that I can trust you even when I’m afraid, sad, or things don’t make sense!”
Time of Prayer
Read Psalm 98:1-3 (above).
Points for consideration from Psalm 98 and Luke 2:
• If God tells us He will do something, nothing is impossible for Him!
• How can you treasure in your heart the things God has done?
Pray together using these points as a place to begin. Encourage them to pray from their hearts rather than what they think might please you.
December 11 – 20 Jesus’ Message Brings Challenges
Psalm 98:4-6
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth;
break forth into joyous song and sing praises!
Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre,
with the lyre and the sound of melody!
With trumpets and the sound of the horn
make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord!
Time of Praise and Thanksgiving
Read Luke 4:1-21 together.
Points for consideration:
• The Enemy of God will work to stop God’s plan that many will know Him (2 Corinthians 4:4). He even tried to get Jesus to stray from what God wanted.
• Turn to Isaiah 61 and read verses 1 and 2. Jesus fulfilled this prophecy as well!
• Isaiah 61 verse 3 tells us those who love God will receive comfort, joy, and praise.
Lead the children to praise and thank Him for His faithfulness to His Word.
An example of their praise might be, “Jesus, I praise you for doing what you promised!”
or “Thank you Jesus for being the one who was obedient to the Father even when it was hard!”
Time of Prayer
Read John 14:15-21, then Luke 11:13, and 2 Timothy 1:7.
Talk about how these verses work together in the life of someone who loves Jesus and belongs to Him.
Points for consideration:
• God’s enemy will work against us being obedient, too. What could this look like?
• How and why should we praise God when things are difficult?
• The Bible teaches that God has placed His power in us by giving us His Holy Spirit. His power enables us to know God’s deep love for us and to give us what we need to live a life that pleases Him. What parts of my life need me to rely on God instead of my own strength?
• Do you believe what you have read in the Bible? Why or why not?
Pray together. Pray that they would rely on God to know and follow His Ways. Pray for others in your family to stray strong in God and to do the same.
December 21 – 31 Jesus’ Message is For Everyone
Psalm 98:7-9
Let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
the world and those who dwell in it!
Let the rivers clap their hands;
let the hills sing for joy together
before the Lord, for he comes
to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with righteousness,
and the peoples with equity.
Time of Praise and Thanksgiving
Parents: Please note the following discusses God’s coming judgment. While this puts the Christmas story in its proper perspective, you alone must decide if your children are ready to hear the full reason why the Good News is truly the Good News.
Read Revelation 20:11-15. Then read Matthew 28:16-20 and Revelation 7:9-10 together. Discuss these verses.
Points for consideration:
• Do you believe that this New Testament prophecy of God will also be fulfilled?
• God tells us that we all have sinned and deserve death, but God’s gift is eternal life for those who believe in Jesus (Romans 3:23, 6:23). Does this include you? Why or why not?
• Now read Luke 2:8-14. God is worthy of our praise!
Lead the children to thank Him for revealing this “Good News of Great Joy”. They may say, “Thank you, Jesus, for what you accomplished on the cross!” or perhaps “Father, I praise you for the gift of Jesus!” Ask your children to pray as God leads them.
Time of Prayer
Read John 3:16-17 and 2 Peter 3:9 together.
Points for consideration:
• What do these tell us about God’s heart toward people? Does your heart match his?
• Just as Jesus traveled to share the message and sent out others to do the same, we also must go in obedience. The message hasn’t changed nor has God’s command to go.
Pray together. Ask God to help you be obedient to share His Good News and to go where He leads you- across the street, throughout our country, or even to distant places on the earth!
(Devotional copyright Pastor Mark)
This Christmas season is a time for rejoicing! Regardless of what is happening in the world, we can celebrate Jesus Christ and his message of hope! This year is a timely opportunity to share the Gospel message within the context of the holidays.
Our goal as believers is to bring glory to God in the way we live and to be obedient to Him in all things. Our goal as parents is to train our children in the ways of the Lord and to see our kids have their very own personal, life-changing relationship with God – a life that brings Him glory. This means sharing His goodness and His message with those who don’t know Him, here in our community or to the ends of the earth. It may be hard at times, but as we encourage them to step out in faith, God empowers our kids to do His work, proving He is still equipping saints of all ages for the work of the ministry.
Psalm 98 is a prophetic one, telling of the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ to earth to redeem the children of Israel and His offer of salvation to all who believe. May this devotional help your children to understand that God Himself wishes to write His Story in their hearts. He wants to use their lives in a way that pleases Him and brings His glory to all the nations. May they see God ‘s Holy Spirit at work in their lives as they encounter Him, are changed by Him, and are used by Him.
The entire Family Devotional follows. It is broken down into three sections, one devotional for each ten day period of the month. I've begun by including some helpful information that should assist in making your family time discussing the Word and applying it all the more impactful.
May God bless you and your family!
Pastor Mark
Things to Consider:
1. Make this doable. Try to commit to a family devotional time, perhaps three times per ten days. Decide on a practical time. Avoid setting yourself up for failure. Adjust it as necessary so they enjoy the time, but also expect some “pushback”. If you miss a time, just pick another! Remember, it’s about the relationship not the accomplishment. Guard against discouragement if it doesn’t go well, and be sure to guard against pride if it does.
2. Talk about the ideas shared as your read God’s Word. Check for understanding by asking good questions and by explaining words that can sound confusing. Next, have a conversation about ways to apply what has been read. Knowledge of the Bible is empty and meaningless unless we do what it says. (James 1:22-25).
3. Model praying for your kids, speaking simply and using words easy for them to understand. It will be easier for them to pray from their heart if they hear you do this.
4. Try a family worship time. Child friendly songs don’t need to be childlike, they just need easy to understand lyrics. Train your child to express love to God and not just sing songs about Him. This is part of them growing in a real relationship with Our Creator. After your worship time, explain phrases they may not understand or interpret differently, i.e. what does “God reigns” mean?
5. If you have older children, allow them to share the responsibility of reading the verses. Leading them to Him is the goal. Check for understanding of difficult words.
6. As they grow in understanding and application of God’s Word, expect them to get excited about their relationship with our Living God. This overflow from their heart will lead then to share Him with others.
Psalm 98
Oh sing to the Lord a new song,
for he has done marvelous things!
His right hand and his holy arm
have worked salvation for him.
The Lord has made known his salvation;
he has revealed his righteousness in the sight of the nations.
He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness
to the house of Israel.
All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth;
break forth into joyous song and sing praises!
Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre,
with the lyre and the sound of melody!
With trumpets and the sound of the horn
make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord!
Let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
the world and those who dwell in it!
Let the rivers clap their hands;
let the hills sing for joy together
before the Lord, for he comes to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with equity.
December 1 – 10 Jesus is Revealed!
Psalm 98:1-3
Oh sing to the Lord a new song,
for he has done marvelous things!
His right hand and his holy arm
have worked salvation for him.
The Lord has made known his salvation;
he has revealed his righteousness in the sight of the nations.
He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness
to the house of Israel.
All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.
Time of Praise and Thanksgiving
Read Luke 2:1-20 together.
Points to talk about:
• God is in control of world events and uses them for His purposes. This includes fulfilling prophecies from the Old Testament.
• God uses our lives for his purposes even when it looks different than what we want.
Ask your children what Jesus means to them during this season of life. How has God watched over them? How has He taken care of them in good and difficult times?
Lead the children to praise and thank Him for Who He Is.
An example of their praise might be, “Father, I praise you for sending Jesus to us!”
or “God, thank you that I can trust you even when I’m afraid, sad, or things don’t make sense!”
Time of Prayer
Read Psalm 98:1-3 (above).
Points for consideration from Psalm 98 and Luke 2:
• If God tells us He will do something, nothing is impossible for Him!
• How can you treasure in your heart the things God has done?
Pray together using these points as a place to begin. Encourage them to pray from their hearts rather than what they think might please you.
December 11 – 20 Jesus’ Message Brings Challenges
Psalm 98:4-6
Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth;
break forth into joyous song and sing praises!
Sing praises to the Lord with the lyre,
with the lyre and the sound of melody!
With trumpets and the sound of the horn
make a joyful noise before the King, the Lord!
Time of Praise and Thanksgiving
Read Luke 4:1-21 together.
Points for consideration:
• The Enemy of God will work to stop God’s plan that many will know Him (2 Corinthians 4:4). He even tried to get Jesus to stray from what God wanted.
• Turn to Isaiah 61 and read verses 1 and 2. Jesus fulfilled this prophecy as well!
• Isaiah 61 verse 3 tells us those who love God will receive comfort, joy, and praise.
Lead the children to praise and thank Him for His faithfulness to His Word.
An example of their praise might be, “Jesus, I praise you for doing what you promised!”
or “Thank you Jesus for being the one who was obedient to the Father even when it was hard!”
Time of Prayer
Read John 14:15-21, then Luke 11:13, and 2 Timothy 1:7.
Talk about how these verses work together in the life of someone who loves Jesus and belongs to Him.
Points for consideration:
• God’s enemy will work against us being obedient, too. What could this look like?
• How and why should we praise God when things are difficult?
• The Bible teaches that God has placed His power in us by giving us His Holy Spirit. His power enables us to know God’s deep love for us and to give us what we need to live a life that pleases Him. What parts of my life need me to rely on God instead of my own strength?
• Do you believe what you have read in the Bible? Why or why not?
Pray together. Pray that they would rely on God to know and follow His Ways. Pray for others in your family to stray strong in God and to do the same.
December 21 – 31 Jesus’ Message is For Everyone
Psalm 98:7-9
Let the sea roar, and all that fills it;
the world and those who dwell in it!
Let the rivers clap their hands;
let the hills sing for joy together
before the Lord, for he comes
to judge the earth.
He will judge the world with righteousness,
and the peoples with equity.
Time of Praise and Thanksgiving
Parents: Please note the following discusses God’s coming judgment. While this puts the Christmas story in its proper perspective, you alone must decide if your children are ready to hear the full reason why the Good News is truly the Good News.
Read Revelation 20:11-15. Then read Matthew 28:16-20 and Revelation 7:9-10 together. Discuss these verses.
Points for consideration:
• Do you believe that this New Testament prophecy of God will also be fulfilled?
• God tells us that we all have sinned and deserve death, but God’s gift is eternal life for those who believe in Jesus (Romans 3:23, 6:23). Does this include you? Why or why not?
• Now read Luke 2:8-14. God is worthy of our praise!
Lead the children to thank Him for revealing this “Good News of Great Joy”. They may say, “Thank you, Jesus, for what you accomplished on the cross!” or perhaps “Father, I praise you for the gift of Jesus!” Ask your children to pray as God leads them.
Time of Prayer
Read John 3:16-17 and 2 Peter 3:9 together.
Points for consideration:
• What do these tell us about God’s heart toward people? Does your heart match his?
• Just as Jesus traveled to share the message and sent out others to do the same, we also must go in obedience. The message hasn’t changed nor has God’s command to go.
Pray together. Ask God to help you be obedient to share His Good News and to go where He leads you- across the street, throughout our country, or even to distant places on the earth!
(Devotional copyright Pastor Mark)
Recent
Archive
2023
2022
2021
February
December
Categories
no categories