Joyful Praise

Sunday, Dec. 15, 2024

Bible Verse:

“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.”

– Luke 1:46-47 (EHV)

Devotion:

Have you ever been so happy that you couldn’t keep it in? Maybe you jumped up and down, sang a silly song, or hugged everyone in sight. That’s how Mary felt when she found out she would be the mother of Jesus! She was filled with joy and couldn’t stop praising God. Her song, sometimes called the Magnificat, is a beautiful reminder of how God works in amazing ways.

Mary wasn’t a queen or a fancy ruler. She was just an ordinary girl, but God chose her for an extraordinary job. And the best part? God does the same with us! He chooses us to be part of His plan, and when we see Him working in our lives, it’s the perfect time to burst out in joyful praise—just like Mary.

Questions:

1. What made Mary so joyful that she praised God?

2. Why is it special that God chooses ordinary people for His extraordinary plans?

3. How can you praise God joyfully this Advent season?

Prayer:

Dear God, thank You for choosing us to be part of Your amazing plans. Help us to praise You joyfully, just like Mary did, and to remember how great You are. Amen.

Activity Idea:

Write your own “praise song” for God. It can be a few simple sentences or a fun rhyme. Share it with your family or sing it out loud!

Full Bible Reference:

“My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior, because he has looked with favor on the humble state of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed, because the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation.”

– Luke 1:46-50 (EHV)

God’s Perfect Timing

Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024

Bible Verse:

“But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son to be born of a woman, so that he would redeem those under the law, so that we would be adopted as sons.”

– Galatians 4:4-5 (EHV)

Devotion:

Have you ever had to wait for just the right moment? Maybe you’ve waited for cookies to cool, for fireworks to light up the sky, or for your birthday party to start. Waiting can feel like forever, but it’s worth it when the perfect time comes!

That’s what God did when He sent Jesus. He didn’t send Him too early or too late—He sent Him at the exact right moment to save the world. God’s timing is always perfect, even if we don’t understand it. So while we wait for Christmas, and for Jesus to come again, we can trust that God’s plans are always right on time.

Questions:

1. Why did God wait for the “set time” to send Jesus?

2. How does it feel to know God’s timing is always perfect?

3. What are you waiting for this Advent season, and how can you trust God?

Prayer:

Dear God, thank You for sending Jesus at just the right time to save us. Help us to trust Your timing and remember that Your plans are always perfect. Amen.

Activity Idea:

Make a clock craft out of a paper plate and talk about how God’s timing is always perfect. Write “God’s Timing” on the clock as a reminder.

Full Bible Reference:

“But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son to be born of a woman, so that he would redeem those under the law, so that we would be adopted as sons. Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts to shout, ‘Abba! Father!’ So you are no longer a slave, but a son. And if you are a son, then you are also an heir of God through Christ.”

– Galatians 4:4-7 (EHV)

Joy in Giving

Friday, Dec. 13, 2024

Bible Verse:

“It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

– Acts 20:35 (EHV)

Devotion:

Think about the best gift you’ve ever received. Maybe it was a cool toy, a delicious treat, or a big hug from someone special. Now think about a time you gave a gift. How did it feel to make someone smile? Jesus taught us that giving is even better than getting!

When we give, we’re showing love, just like Jesus did when He gave us the greatest gift—Himself. Giving doesn’t have to be big or expensive. It can be a kind word, a hug, or sharing your favorite toy. This Advent, let’s practice the joy of giving and remember how much Jesus gave for us.

Questions:

1. Why did Jesus say giving is better than receiving?

2. How do you feel when you give a gift to someone?

3. What can you give to show love this Advent season?

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank You for giving us the greatest gift—Your love and salvation. Help us to find joy in giving to others and sharing Your love with the world. Amen.

Activity Idea:

Make a “gift of love” coupon book with ideas like “help with chores,” “share a toy,” or “give a hug.” Give it to someone in your family or a friend.

Full Bible Reference:

“In everything, I have shown you that by working hard in this way, we must help the weak, remembering the words that the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ When he had said these things, he knelt down with all of them and prayed.”

– Acts 20:35-36 (EHV)

Peace in the Storm

Thursday, Dec. 12, 2024

Bible Verse:

“And suddenly a great storm arose on the sea, so that the boat was covered by the waves. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, ‘Lord, save us! We’re going to die!’ He said to them, ‘Why are you afraid, you of little faith?’ Then he got up, rebuked the wind and the sea, and there was a complete calm.”

– Matthew 8:24-26 (EHV)

Devotion:

Have you ever been caught in a scary storm? Maybe thunder rumbled so loudly that you jumped, or the wind howled like it was playing tag with the trees. That’s how the disciples felt on the stormy sea. The waves crashed over their boat, and they were sure it was all over. But guess what Jesus was doing? He was asleep!

When they woke Him up, Jesus calmly told the storm to stop—and it listened! Jesus showed the disciples (and us!) that He’s in control, even when things feel stormy. Life can have all kinds of “storms”—like tough days, worries, or big changes. But when we trust Jesus, we can have peace, knowing He’s right there in the boat with us.

Questions:

1. Why were the disciples afraid during the storm?

2. How did Jesus show He was in control?

3. What “storms” in life can we trust Jesus to calm?

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank You for being with us in every storm. Help us to trust You when life feels scary and to remember that You have the power to bring peace. Amen.

Activity Idea:

Create a storm in a bottle! Fill a clear bottle halfway with water, add some blue food coloring and glitter, and shake it up to see your “storm.” Then let it settle as a reminder of how Jesus calms the storms in our lives.

Full Bible Reference:

“And suddenly a great storm arose on the sea, so that the boat was covered by the waves. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, ‘Lord, save us! We’re going to die!’ He said to them, ‘Why are you afraid, you of little faith?’ Then he got up, rebuked the wind and the sea, and there was a complete calm. The men were amazed, saying, ‘What kind of man is this? Even the wind and the sea obey him!’”

– Matthew 8:24-27 (EHV)

A Baby in a Manger

Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024

Bible Verse:

“She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.”

– Luke 2:7 (EHV)

Devotion:

Have you ever had to make do with what you had? Maybe you forgot your water bottle at soccer practice and had to borrow a teammate’s, or your family had a picnic on the floor because the table was too messy. That’s kind of what happened to Mary and Joseph! There was no room for them in the inn, so they made do with a stable. And instead of a fancy crib, baby Jesus had a manger—a feeding box for animals.

Even though it wasn’t fancy, Jesus’ birth was exactly how God planned it. He came humbly, showing us that greatness doesn’t need golden crowns or royal palaces. It’s a reminder that God can do amazing things in the simplest places—including our hearts.

Questions:

1. Why was Jesus laid in a manger instead of a fancy crib?

2. How does Jesus’ humble birth show God’s love for everyone?

3. What are simple ways we can welcome Jesus into our hearts?

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank You for coming to us in such a humble way. Help us to remember that Your love is for everyone, no matter where we are or what we have. Amen.

Activity Idea:

Make a manger craft out of popsicle sticks or paper. Use it to hold a small paper “baby Jesus” to remind you of His humble birth.

Full Bible Reference:

“She gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. There were shepherds staying in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flock at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. For behold, I bring you good news of great joy, which will be for all people.’”

– Luke 2:7-10 (EHV)

The Star that Shines

Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024

Bible Verse:

“When they saw the star, they rejoiced with overwhelming joy.”

– Matthew 2:10 (EHV)

Devotion:

Imagine you’re on a super long trip, and suddenly, your GPS says, “You’ve arrived!” That’s how the wise men must’ve felt when they saw the star stop above the place where Jesus was. They’d been traveling for months, maybe even years, to find the new King, and now their journey was complete.

That star wasn’t just a cool light in the sky—it was a sign that God was leading them to Jesus. Just like He guided the wise men with a star, God guides us too! Through the Bible, prayer, and His love, He helps us find our way to Jesus.

Questions:

1. Why did the wise men follow the star?

2. What do you think the wise men felt when they finally found Jesus?

3. How does God guide us today?

Prayer:

Dear God, thank You for leading us to Jesus, just like You led the wise men with the star. Help us to follow You and share Your light with others. Amen.

Activity Idea:

Cut out a paper star and decorate it with glitter or shiny materials. Write “Jesus is my light” on it and hang it up as a reminder of how God guides us.

Full Bible Reference:

“When they saw the star, they rejoiced with overwhelming joy. After they went into the house and saw the child with Mary, his mother, they bowed down and worshipped him. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Since they had been warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they went back to their own country by another route.”

– Matthew 2:10-12 (EHV)

Good News for Everyone

Monday, Dec. 9, 2024

Bible Verse:

“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. For behold, I bring you good news of great joy, which will be for all people.’”

– Luke 2:10 (EHV)

Devotion:

Can you imagine being a shepherd on a quiet night, just watching over your sheep, when suddenly—boom! An angel appears, glowing and awesome, with a message straight from God? It might’ve been a little scary at first, but the angel’s words were clear: “Don’t be afraid! I’ve got amazing news!”

That news wasn’t just for the shepherds—it was for everyone, including us! Jesus was born, bringing joy, peace, and hope to the whole world. So whenever you hear the Christmas story, remember that it’s your story, too. God’s good news is for you!

Questions:

1. What good news did the angel bring to the shepherds?

2. Why is Jesus’ birth such joyful news?

3. How can we share this good news with others?

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank You for being the best news ever! Help us to share Your joy with others and remember that You came to save everyone. Amen.

Activity Idea:

Make your own “angel message.” Write a note about the good news of Jesus and leave it for someone to find, like a family member or friend.

Full Bible Reference:

“But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. For behold, I bring you good news of great joy, which will be for all people. Today in the town of David, a Savior was born for you. He is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.’ Suddenly there was with the angel a multitude from the heavenly army, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward mankind.’”

– Luke 2:10-14 (EHV)

A Shepherd’s Care

Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024

Bible Verse:

“He tends his flock like a shepherd. He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart. He gently leads those who have young.”

– Isaiah 40:11 (EHV)

Devotion:

Have you ever seen a shepherd taking care of sheep? They make sure the sheep are fed, safe, and know where to go. That’s exactly how God cares for us! Isaiah describes God as a gentle shepherd who picks up His little lambs (that’s us!) and holds them close to His heart.

Sometimes life can feel scary, like we’ve wandered off and don’t know which way to turn. But God, our Good Shepherd, is always watching over us. When we feel lost or afraid, He scoops us up in His loving arms and gently leads us. Isn’t it amazing to know we’re so precious to Him?

Questions:

1. What does a shepherd do for their sheep?

2. How does God care for us like a shepherd?

3. When has God helped you feel safe and loved?

Prayer:

Dear God, thank You for being our Good Shepherd, caring for us and keeping us safe. Help us to trust You when life feels scary or uncertain. Amen.

Activity Idea:

Draw or color a picture of a shepherd with sheep. Write “God is my Shepherd” at the top and display it as a reminder of His love and care.

Full Bible Reference:

“He tends his flock like a shepherd. He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart. He gently leads those who have young. Who has measured the waters in the hollow of his hand? Who marked off the heavens with the width of his hand? Who scooped up the dust of the earth with a measuring cup? Who weighed the mountains on a scale and the hills on a balance?”

– Isaiah 40:11-12 (EHV)

Waiting with Hope

Saturday, Dec. 7, 2024

Bible Verse:

“Wait for the Lord. Be strong and take heart, and wait for the Lord!”

– Psalm 27:14 (EHV)

Devotion:

Waiting is hard, isn’t it? Whether it’s waiting for cookies to bake, waiting for your turn on the swings, or waiting for Christmas morning, it can feel like forever! David, who wrote this psalm, knew all about waiting. He had to wait years before he became king, even though God promised him the throne. Through it all, David learned to trust God’s timing.

Advent is all about waiting, too—waiting to celebrate Jesus’ birth and waiting for the day He comes back again. But here’s the good news: we’re not waiting alone. God is with us, giving us strength and courage while we wait. So the next time waiting feels impossible, remember that God’s timing is perfect. And who knows? Maybe while you wait, He’s preparing something even better than you imagined.

Questions:

1. Why did David say to “wait for the Lord”?

2. How can we be strong and take heart while we wait?

3. What are you waiting for this Advent, and how can you trust God’s timing?

Prayer:

Dear God, help us to be patient as we wait for You. Thank You for being with us and giving us strength and courage. Teach us to trust Your perfect timing. Amen.

Activity Idea:

Set a timer for 5 minutes and see if you can sit quietly and think about God’s promises. After the timer ends, share one thing you thought about with your family.

Full Bible Reference:

“Wait for the Lord. Be strong and take heart, and wait for the Lord. The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall. Though an army besiege me, my heart will not fear; though war break out against me, even then I will be confident.”

– Psalm 27:1-3, 14 (EHV)

A King for Everyone

Friday, Dec. 6, 2024

Bible Verse:

“For unto us a child is born. Unto us a son is given. The authority to rule will rest on his shoulders. He will be named: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

– Isaiah 9:6 (EHV)

Devotion:

If you were picking a king, what would he be like? Super strong? Really smart? Maybe someone who could ride a dragon or wear a sparkly crown. But when God sent a King to save the world, He chose something totally unexpected—a tiny baby! Jesus didn’t come with a crown or a throne. He came as a baby born in a barn, but He was still the most powerful King ever.

Isaiah tells us that Jesus is the “Prince of Peace,” the one who rules with love, wisdom, and power. Jesus didn’t come to boss us around—He came to save us. And the best part? He’s a King for everyone, not just the rich or powerful. So this Advent, let’s remember to celebrate our King, who started as a baby and grew up to bring us hope, love, and peace.

Questions:

1. What names did Isaiah use to describe Jesus?

2. Why did God send Jesus as a baby instead of a grown-up king?

3. How can we celebrate Jesus as our King this Advent?

Prayer:

Dear Jesus, thank You for being the Prince of Peace and the King who loves and saves us. Help us to share Your love and celebrate You this Advent season. Amen.

Activity Idea:

Make a paper crown and decorate it with markers or stickers. Write “Prince of Peace” on it and wear it as a reminder of Jesus’ love and power.

Full Bible Reference:

“For to us a child is born. To us a son is given. The authority to rule will rest on his shoulders. He will be named: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no limit to his authority and no end to his peace. He will rule on David’s throne and over his kingdom to establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness from now on and forever. The zeal of the Lord of Armies will accomplish this.”

– Isaiah 9:6-7 (EHV)