KIDS LIFE FAMILY DEVOTIONAL
Introduction
It's Christmas time! We have created a 7-day Advent Family Devotional for you & your family leading up to December 25th. Gather your kids around, and take some time to reflect on the gift of Jesus!
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end.
Isaiah 9:6-7 (NIV)
Isaiah 9:6-7 (NIV)
DAY #1
For unto us a child is born! - Humility
The child, the long awaited promise. The Messiah! He has come.
John 1:14 says “And the Word became flesh and took up residence among us, and we saw his glory, glory as of the one and only from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
When we look at the birth of Jesus, we see the humility of Jesus. Jesus is King of Kings and Lord of Lords yet still chose to enter our world as the most humble and vulnerable entity He could be- a baby! Jesus was equal to God but did not use His status to His advantage, instead He took on the place of a servant. He chose to be obedient to God, even obeying when God asked Him to die on a cross! That is true surrender!
As we reflect on the birth of Jesus, let’s examine our own hearts:
Jesus had every right for people to bow down to Him, to have servants serve Him, to have all the riches and glory here on earth we could ever imagine. Yet in humility He chose to let all of that go and be born in a barn amongst farm animals. Not the most glamorous entrance. Romans 12:3 says “For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.” Are we thinking of ourselves too highly? Feeling entitled to certain treatment or honor, when the King of Kings gave us an example of the exact opposite? Philippians 2:3-4 says “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,
4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” Are we only thinking of ourselves, or are we thinking of other people? Are we making decisions selfishly or with the intention of honoring others? 2 Corinthians 8:9 says “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.” Jesus chose to become poor for the sake of US to be able to reach you & me! If He never traded Heaven for earth to come down, we wouldn’t be able to have a relationship with Him forever in Heaven! Jesus is the perfect example of humility. As we journey together towards the celebration of His birth, let’s challenge ourselves to walk humbly. Let’s pray and ask God to humble us to be more like Him.
Scriptures:
Psalm 51:10
Luke 2
Phillipians 2:5-11
Romans 12:3
The child, the long awaited promise. The Messiah! He has come.
John 1:14 says “And the Word became flesh and took up residence among us, and we saw his glory, glory as of the one and only from the Father, full of grace and truth.”
When we look at the birth of Jesus, we see the humility of Jesus. Jesus is King of Kings and Lord of Lords yet still chose to enter our world as the most humble and vulnerable entity He could be- a baby! Jesus was equal to God but did not use His status to His advantage, instead He took on the place of a servant. He chose to be obedient to God, even obeying when God asked Him to die on a cross! That is true surrender!
As we reflect on the birth of Jesus, let’s examine our own hearts:
Jesus had every right for people to bow down to Him, to have servants serve Him, to have all the riches and glory here on earth we could ever imagine. Yet in humility He chose to let all of that go and be born in a barn amongst farm animals. Not the most glamorous entrance. Romans 12:3 says “For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.” Are we thinking of ourselves too highly? Feeling entitled to certain treatment or honor, when the King of Kings gave us an example of the exact opposite? Philippians 2:3-4 says “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,
4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” Are we only thinking of ourselves, or are we thinking of other people? Are we making decisions selfishly or with the intention of honoring others? 2 Corinthians 8:9 says “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.” Jesus chose to become poor for the sake of US to be able to reach you & me! If He never traded Heaven for earth to come down, we wouldn’t be able to have a relationship with Him forever in Heaven! Jesus is the perfect example of humility. As we journey together towards the celebration of His birth, let’s challenge ourselves to walk humbly. Let’s pray and ask God to humble us to be more like Him.
Scriptures:
Psalm 51:10
Luke 2
Phillipians 2:5-11
Romans 12:3
DAY #2
A Son is Given - Jesus: The First Christmas Gift
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
God gave us Jesus, so we never have to be separated from Him. God gave us a BIG gift- His one and only Son! He gave away His precious child so that we could be close to Him. That is a HUGE gift.
When we give gifts this holiday season, keep in mind this question:
Is this gift a sacrifice?
When God gave us Jesus, it cost Him something. Don’t give gifts out of obligation, but cheerfully give. When we give over and above our Tithe, we give an offering- or a gift to God. The only response to Jesus giving a sacrificial gift, is us giving Him back a special gift!
When selecting gifts this season, ask God to lead you. A gift does not have to be “expensive” to be a sacrifice. It could be a baked good that was a sacrifice of time and energy, or a craft that was a sacrifice of time and creativity. The Bible says in James 1:17 “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
When we give gifts, let’s give “good gifts” like our Father!
Scriptures:
James 1:17
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
God gave us Jesus, so we never have to be separated from Him. God gave us a BIG gift- His one and only Son! He gave away His precious child so that we could be close to Him. That is a HUGE gift.
When we give gifts this holiday season, keep in mind this question:
Is this gift a sacrifice?
When God gave us Jesus, it cost Him something. Don’t give gifts out of obligation, but cheerfully give. When we give over and above our Tithe, we give an offering- or a gift to God. The only response to Jesus giving a sacrificial gift, is us giving Him back a special gift!
When selecting gifts this season, ask God to lead you. A gift does not have to be “expensive” to be a sacrifice. It could be a baked good that was a sacrifice of time and energy, or a craft that was a sacrifice of time and creativity. The Bible says in James 1:17 “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”
When we give gifts, let’s give “good gifts” like our Father!
Scriptures:
James 1:17
DAY #3
The Government will be on His Shoulders - Hope for the Future & Honoring Authority
No matter who is in the office of any special position, Jesus is on the throne. We have hope no matter what chaos may ensue, that Jesus is Lord of all!
The Bible tells us in Romans 13:1 “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.”
By honoring the authority of those God has put into place, we honor God.
As a child, God has placed our Mom & Dad as our authority. As we honor and obey them, blessing follows. Mom & Dad, let’s be great examples of what it looks like to honor one another, and honor the authority placed in our lives (managers, leaders, etc.)
Because we trust God - we know that He is in control, no matter what it looks like in the natural world. When we obey Him and His commands - blessing follows!
Scriptures:
Romans 13:1
1 Peter 2:13-14
No matter who is in the office of any special position, Jesus is on the throne. We have hope no matter what chaos may ensue, that Jesus is Lord of all!
The Bible tells us in Romans 13:1 “Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.”
By honoring the authority of those God has put into place, we honor God.
As a child, God has placed our Mom & Dad as our authority. As we honor and obey them, blessing follows. Mom & Dad, let’s be great examples of what it looks like to honor one another, and honor the authority placed in our lives (managers, leaders, etc.)
Because we trust God - we know that He is in control, no matter what it looks like in the natural world. When we obey Him and His commands - blessing follows!
Scriptures:
Romans 13:1
1 Peter 2:13-14
DAY #4
Wonderful Counselor - Our Refuge & Direction
We can trust God to counsel us. Proverbs 3:5-6 says “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” He is the only one who can make our paths straight. When Jesus went back up to Heaven to be with the Father, He promised us a “helper”. This helper is the Holy Spirit! We can talk to the Holy Spirit anytime.
The Bible says in John 16:13 “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.”
We are led by the Spirit of God, and God will never contradict His Word. The Bible is the Word of God & ALIVE and active! Hebrews 4:12 says “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Maintaining a consistent pursuit of God through the reading of His Word - things become much clearer! God is willing and able to lead you through every day of your life. We are so blessed to have Him! This holiday season, allow Him to counsel you. Sit and talk with Him, and then listen for His response. Praying is equal parts speaking and listening to God. Take some time to slow down and get into His presence as a family and seek God more than ever before!
Scriptures:
John 16:13
Psalm 32:8
John 14:26
Matthew 11:28
Isaiah 28:29
James 3:17
Hebrews 4:12
We can trust God to counsel us. Proverbs 3:5-6 says “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; 6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” He is the only one who can make our paths straight. When Jesus went back up to Heaven to be with the Father, He promised us a “helper”. This helper is the Holy Spirit! We can talk to the Holy Spirit anytime.
The Bible says in John 16:13 “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.”
We are led by the Spirit of God, and God will never contradict His Word. The Bible is the Word of God & ALIVE and active! Hebrews 4:12 says “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Maintaining a consistent pursuit of God through the reading of His Word - things become much clearer! God is willing and able to lead you through every day of your life. We are so blessed to have Him! This holiday season, allow Him to counsel you. Sit and talk with Him, and then listen for His response. Praying is equal parts speaking and listening to God. Take some time to slow down and get into His presence as a family and seek God more than ever before!
Scriptures:
John 16:13
Psalm 32:8
John 14:26
Matthew 11:28
Isaiah 28:29
James 3:17
Hebrews 4:12
DAY #5
Mighty God: Our Strength and Power
We sing the popular song “What a mighty God we serve…” and lest we ever forget how truly mighty He is!
God is all powerful, nothing is too hard for Him. When we trust in God to lead our lives, He leads in strong power! We can be strong only in His strength! God is the most powerful yet when He came as Jesus, chose to be gentle and humble. God gives strength to us and His power is made perfect in our weakness. When we trust God, He can do amazing & mighty things!
1. He holds ALL the power.
2. He holds ALL the strength for you and anything you may face!
2 Corinthians 12:9 says “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” God is so strong and wants to share His strength with you and me?
What areas of your life could you use some more of God’s mighty strength? Pray and ask Him for His strength in those places!
Scriptures:
Revelation 1:8
Zephaniah 3:17
Luke 1:37
Ephesians 6:10
Matthew 28:18
We sing the popular song “What a mighty God we serve…” and lest we ever forget how truly mighty He is!
God is all powerful, nothing is too hard for Him. When we trust in God to lead our lives, He leads in strong power! We can be strong only in His strength! God is the most powerful yet when He came as Jesus, chose to be gentle and humble. God gives strength to us and His power is made perfect in our weakness. When we trust God, He can do amazing & mighty things!
1. He holds ALL the power.
2. He holds ALL the strength for you and anything you may face!
2 Corinthians 12:9 says “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” God is so strong and wants to share His strength with you and me?
What areas of your life could you use some more of God’s mighty strength? Pray and ask Him for His strength in those places!
Scriptures:
Revelation 1:8
Zephaniah 3:17
Luke 1:37
Ephesians 6:10
Matthew 28:18
DAY #6
Everlasting Father: Faithful Forever
God is FOREVER. The Bible says God is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. Unlike anyone on earth, He will be forever. He is our Father that outlasts time! God does not become tired or weary. He is the same God with the same faithfulness as He was all throughout the Bible. God promised Abraham and Sarah that their children would be as numerous as the stars in the sky. God kept His promise!
• He promised Hannah a child, and he kept His promise!
• He promised Noah he would never flood the earth again, and He kept His promise!
He keeps promises to us just as He kept promises to His people of the Bible times like Sarah & Abraham, Hannah, Noah + more! He doesn’t just fulfill promises to Mom & Dad or Grandma & Grandpa, but to everyone! The Bible says that he is faithful to all generations!
Some things God promises us today:
• To be with us always
• To give us peace
• He will give you wisdom if you ask
• When you seek Him you will find Him
• To instruct us
• To give us rest
• To give us strength
How many blessings from God can you count? We challenge you to write out as many blessings from God that you can possibly think of. Write down everything you ever remember praying for as a family that came to pass! EVEN THEN, God is still longer than your list! And He blesses us in ways we can never fully see! He always keeps His promises. Thank you, Jesus!
Scriptures:
Isaiah 40:28
Jeremiah 31:3
Psalm 103:17
Deuteronomy 33:27
Psalm 100:5
Psalm 119:90
Psalm 32:8
God is FOREVER. The Bible says God is the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. Unlike anyone on earth, He will be forever. He is our Father that outlasts time! God does not become tired or weary. He is the same God with the same faithfulness as He was all throughout the Bible. God promised Abraham and Sarah that their children would be as numerous as the stars in the sky. God kept His promise!
• He promised Hannah a child, and he kept His promise!
• He promised Noah he would never flood the earth again, and He kept His promise!
He keeps promises to us just as He kept promises to His people of the Bible times like Sarah & Abraham, Hannah, Noah + more! He doesn’t just fulfill promises to Mom & Dad or Grandma & Grandpa, but to everyone! The Bible says that he is faithful to all generations!
Some things God promises us today:
• To be with us always
• To give us peace
• He will give you wisdom if you ask
• When you seek Him you will find Him
• To instruct us
• To give us rest
• To give us strength
How many blessings from God can you count? We challenge you to write out as many blessings from God that you can possibly think of. Write down everything you ever remember praying for as a family that came to pass! EVEN THEN, God is still longer than your list! And He blesses us in ways we can never fully see! He always keeps His promises. Thank you, Jesus!
Scriptures:
Isaiah 40:28
Jeremiah 31:3
Psalm 103:17
Deuteronomy 33:27
Psalm 100:5
Psalm 119:90
Psalm 32:8
DAY #7
Prince of Peace: Peace beyond Understanding
We see that Jesus is described here as Prince of Peace! God offers us a peace that is greater than anything we could ever understand. The peace that God gives goes beyond what we can comprehend and will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus! Jesus told us not to let our hearts be troubled, nor be afraid because He is with us! He promises to keep us in perfect peace as our minds are focused on Him! There’s nothing that can take away your peace, as it is a gift from God. We can have peace, because Jesus has overcome the world. No matter what we may be facing, it has already been defeated by Jesus! Peace is a promise from God and calms every fear. We don’t have to be anxious about anything because He has given us this precious gift.
The next time you are feeling fearful, ask God to remind you of His peace. Peace is a gift that has been given to you already! Ask God to help you focus your mind on Him and experience His true peace.
Scriptures:
2 Thessalonians 3:16
John 14:27
Isaiah 26:3
Psalm 29:11
Isaiah 52:7
Isaiah 54:10
John 16:33
Conclusion:
• As we celebrate Christmas this year, let us not forget WHO we are celebrating.
• A Humble Child
• A Son gifted to us
• Authority Himself
• The MOST Wonderful Counselor
• Mighty God of Strength and Power
• The Prince of Peace
• A Promise Keeping, Faithful, Everlasting Father
We see that Jesus is described here as Prince of Peace! God offers us a peace that is greater than anything we could ever understand. The peace that God gives goes beyond what we can comprehend and will guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus! Jesus told us not to let our hearts be troubled, nor be afraid because He is with us! He promises to keep us in perfect peace as our minds are focused on Him! There’s nothing that can take away your peace, as it is a gift from God. We can have peace, because Jesus has overcome the world. No matter what we may be facing, it has already been defeated by Jesus! Peace is a promise from God and calms every fear. We don’t have to be anxious about anything because He has given us this precious gift.
The next time you are feeling fearful, ask God to remind you of His peace. Peace is a gift that has been given to you already! Ask God to help you focus your mind on Him and experience His true peace.
Scriptures:
2 Thessalonians 3:16
John 14:27
Isaiah 26:3
Psalm 29:11
Isaiah 52:7
Isaiah 54:10
John 16:33
Conclusion:
• As we celebrate Christmas this year, let us not forget WHO we are celebrating.
• A Humble Child
• A Son gifted to us
• Authority Himself
• The MOST Wonderful Counselor
• Mighty God of Strength and Power
• The Prince of Peace
• A Promise Keeping, Faithful, Everlasting Father
MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM KIDS LIFE!
Enjoy this time as a family, reflect on the goodness of God, and we will see you soon! We pray you & your family have enjoyed this 7-day Advent Family Devotional. If you were blessed, share an update with us on Instagram below!